Hello. It's Belinda.
My friend Nova H. sent me a great blog topic a few months ago.
In a comment on the company Facebook page, she asked:
"How come my rabbit bites my legs and licks my daughter? Who of us is the one that is cherished most based on that behaviour? (FYI, the biting is minimal, not super hurtful or aggressive)."
Biting and licking is a great topic in my opinion.
However, I don't know much about it. I have never "put my teeth" on a human. I also don't go around licking people or things.
The good news is my roommate has lived with a lot of rabbits over the years. Including "countless" foster rabbits here at home. She also volunteered with rabbits at the local shelter.
So I asked her to "co-blog" with me today and she agreed.
My roommate still doesn't have a professional photo. Here's a portrait I drew of her.
OK I'll start it off.
Belinda: Can you give some examples of rabbits biting or nipping you?
Roommate: Sure. I was sitting on the floor at the shelter, with my back against the wall. Suddenly a rabbit walked over and gave me a chomp on my hip.
Belinda: Are you kidding me right now.
Roommate: He was telling me to "scootch" away from the wall. Some rabbits like to walk behind people.
Belinda: He should "use his words."
Roommate: OK here's another example. I was standing at the kitchen sink rinsing a big handful of romaine, parsley and red leaf lettuce. Suddenly I felt rabbit teeth on my ankle.
Belinda: That means to hurry up with the salad.
Roommate: That's right. The thing is, you don't want to "reward" a rabbit who bites your ankle. So I walked into the living room and watched TV for 15 minutes.
Belinda: You could just give the salad to another rabbit in the house. A rabbit who works hard and doesn't nip.
Roommate: This next one is hard to talk about. Once I was carrying a rabbit in my arms and she bit me. I almost dropped her.
Belinda: You were probably holding her the wrong way. Sometimes our legs or feet hurt.
Or maybe she felt "sea sick" or like a hawk caught her. A rabbit can only take so much.
Roommate: That's why I use carriers to move rabbits around now. Even here at home. It's safer.
Belinda: OK so what about licking?
Roommate: Here's something funny. Certain rabbits jump up on the bed and kiss their roommates on the nose.
Others lick the pillowcases.
Belinda: Maybe the pillowcases feel more like rabbit fur. Or maybe they are just trying to be polite. Some humans don't want rabbits "slobbering" all over them.
That's why I don't groom you.
Roommate: Speaking of grooming. One of the shelter rabbits liked to tug on the seams of my jeans. Also chew on the metal rivets.
Belinda: They thought you had a burr or a mat.
Roommate: That's right. He was trying to help me.
Belinda: So back to the original question from Nova H.
If a rabbit licks or grooms one person in the house but "nibbles" the other person, what does that mean?
Roommate: I don't know the answer, but I hope this blog gave her some clues.
Belinda: In the meantime I have a message for all rabbits.
"Chew your hay. Not your human."
Come on.
Sincerely,
Belinda
(with special guest the roommate)
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.
Belinda is pioneering new career opportunities for rabbits everywhere. Breaking the grass ceiling is no small task, but Belinda brings years of experience in multi-cultural communications, rabbiting, and a love of adventure together in a way sure to win hearts.
