Rabbits are among the most social animals one can encounter. They are also swift, affectionate, intelligent, and crafty. Therefore, understanding your rabbit is very important to ensure a healthy coexistence. Rabbits are exceptionally playful, so creating an environment that ensures they stay active also helps them stay happy.
Rabbits run in circles around your feet due to seven main reasons, as elaborated below:
1. To Express Excitement, Love, and Joy
A rabbit that is happy and excited will circle your feet. It is one way to express their love for you as the owner and show they are in an energetic mood. They do this to show they enjoy your company and presence.
2. To Catch Your Attention
Rabbits, like any other pet, yearn for affection. Therefore, they will play by circling your feet to express their need to be noticed. At this point, one is expected to play along with your rabbit. For example, use a toy or a cloth and get them to reach it. A rabbit could also be running in circles around your feet so you can pet them.
3. Expecting a Treat
Rabbits have a sharp sense of smell; compared to humans, their smelling ability is twenty times greater. Therefore, they can smell when you are carrying something for them. This leads to excitement in a rabbit, which results in them circling your feet, waiting for you to reward them.
4. Is in Need of a Mate
A bunny circling me and honking could result from wanting a mate. Female bunnies in need of a mate are more aggressive. They also produce honking and grunting noises more than males.
5. As a Form of Exercise
If your rabbit stays in a cage, letting it out allows it to circle your feet. It is one way to stretch their muscles. Moving in circles is natural, as they are also very aware of their environment and safety.
6. To Express Frustration
A rabbit circling feet and biting shows aggression due to frustration. It happens when their mating desires are unmet. It is thus advisable to neuter or spay them before their mating age. The biting could cause harm if the issue is not put under control.
7. To Mark Their Territory
Marking territories is a very natural thing for domestic and wild rabbits. However, it sounds bizarre to have a bunny mark its territory by circling my feet, though it is true. Bunnies have scent glands on their chins that they use to rub on your feet, thus marking their territory.
Should I Be Worried When My Rabbit Runs in Circles Around My Feet?
No, there is no need to worry when your rabbit circles around your feet, as it is very normal. However, watch out for other aggressive or weird behaviors accompanying the circling feet behavior. These behaviors could hint that your rabbit is sick, needs a mate, or is bored.
A female rabbit circling feet shows that it has gained its owner’s trust, which is quite a rare thing due to its higher protective instinct. Female rabbits take much longer to connect with people. They are also more likely to circle and bite the feet of anyone when they feel threatened. For instance, when one enters their perceived space.
On the other hand, it is common to find a male rabbit circling feet, as males are believed to be more friendly and make better pets than females. They lack the protective character of females, making them more welcoming to anyone who comes to pet them.
Therefore, do not stop your rabbits from circling your feet. You can see it as an opportunity to bond with them. Take it positively, even though it could feel annoying at first. You should be happy when it happens, as it shows their genuine love for you.
Wild Rabbit Spinning in Circles
Wild bunnies are not different from domesticated rabbits. They portray the same characteristics, except that they exist in a different setting other than home. Wild bunnies move in circles around other bunnies during mating season.
In other instances, wild bunnies could be aggressive toward each other, and moving around in circles could result in fights. However, like domesticated bunnies, wild bunnies spinning in circles could be marking territory or being playful.
Additionally, wild bunnies move in circles as they explore their environment and watch out for prey. Since they have large spaces in the fields, they look out for themselves, and moving in circles is a natural way to cover all areas.
When to Be Concerned When Your Bunny Spins, Circles, or Rolls Over
There are diseases that cause a bunny to spin in circles as one of their symptoms.
You should therefore be concerned when you notice that your bunny spins, circles, and rolls over, as it could be suffering from bunny diseases such as:
1. Head Tilt Disease
Different reasons, such as stroke, head trauma, ear infections, or poisoning, can cause this disease. Other symptoms that would accompany spinning include:
- Drooling and lack of appetite
- Wobbling of head
- Inability to stand upright
- Head tilting to one side.
2. Cuniculi
Cuniculi is caused by a parasite that affects the kidney and the brain of the rabbit.
Some of its symptoms include:
- Bunny spinning and rolling
- Seizures and deafness
- Weakness of the legs
- Drinking more water than usual.
How to Ensure That Your Rabbits Circling Your Feet Behavior Is Due to Excitement
The comfort of your rabbit should be the main priority for any rabbit owner. To ensure that your rabbit circles around you as a healthy and natural behavior, you should:
1. Build a big rabbit house with enough space for it to run around and exhaust its energy.
2. Fill your rabbit house with toys, like empty boxes.
3. Allow your rabbits time out of their cage to avoid boredom.
4. Always respond positively to your rabbits’ body language, such as by playing with them with toys.
5. Ensure you seek veterinary services often for checkups.
How to Respond When Your Bunny Is Circling and Honking
How you react to your bunny circling your feet and making noises is very sensitive. You should respond in a manner that transmits positive energy to your rabbit.
- First, be very careful not to step on your bunny by taking tiny steps.
- Stand still and figure out why the bunny is circling you very calmly.
- Play, Pet, or reward your bunny with a treat if that’s what’s needed.
- Be patient with your bunny and watch to understand his body language on several occasions.
- If the rabbit bites your feet, clap your hands to catch their attention.
Things Not to Do When Your Rabbit Runs in Circles Around Your Feet
Since you still want to ensure a good relationship with your bunny, there are two main things you should refrain from doing when a rabbit runs in circles around your feet.
- Avoid yelling at the bunny, as this may scare them.
- Avoid stamping your feet to move him away, as you may step on them.
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