Belinda Says Hay: “Nicknames for Roommates”

Hello. It's Belinda.

Do you ever wonder what your roommate calls you?

I mean “behind your back.”

You might think your rabbit knows your name but maybe not. Or they heard it but forgot. 

Or maybe they cannot pronounce it. Some rabbits have a “lisp.” That’s OK.

The reason I ask is because we use nicknames in this house.

My roommate calls me "Sugar," "Bianca" and "Bee."

My name is Belinda by the way.

She calls Little Fang “Little Bat,” “Cricket” and “Bon Bon.”

Little Fang is not a bat.

"Cricket" fits her because she chirps all night long while I’m trying to sleep.  Also, there’s a cricket in the wall and Little Fang talks to him.

The English is "Boo Boo." Like the bear in the old-timey cartoon.

That nickname started as "Baby Rabbit" and then "Boo Bunny."

If I could roll my eyes I would. You don’t want to know what I call him. 

OK now for the important part. What we call my roommate.

Little Fang calls her "That Lady." She also calls her "Foster Mom." 

Sometimes she just refers to "her." As in, "I’m hungry. Go get her." 

I know who she means.

The English calls my roommate “my best friend.“ For example, the other day he told Little Fang, “I think my best friend is going to give us double salads tonight.”

Little Fang stared at the floor for a bit. Then she pretended to need something in her sleeping box. She squeezed inside it and didn’t come out for over an hour.

She gets jealous when the English talks that way. And when he says that our roommate will do anything he asks. 

Little Fang wants all of his compliments. He doesn't call Little Fang "best friend" and she wishes he would.

I keep telling her there’s “other fish in the sea” but she pretends she can't hear me.

So what about you?

Do you ever wonder what your rabbit or rabbits call you behind your back?

Well I have good news. There's an easy way to learn your nickname.

Here’s how:

1. Give your rabbit a tasty treat. I recommend Woodland Loops or even a Flower Forage Tray.

2. Sit quietly and watch them enjoy their snack
3. After a minute or so, ask: “What is my name?”
4. Listen to what they say. Listen “in your mind.”
5. If you don’t hear anything, repeat steps 1-4.

Try this every day until you know your name or nickname.

It might take months or years but that’s fine.

Sincerely,

Belinda

Spokesrabbit, Small Pet Select
Inventor of the First Chew holiday
Word for 2025: "Ask"
Word for 2026: TBD
Belinda@smallpetselect.com  

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Disclaimer:
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice. Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.