Circling

[Rufus]

Rufus was desexed about four months ago but recently he has gone back to a couple of his pre-neuter behaviours. He’s been circling my feet a bit and standing on his back legs and resting his front legs on my shins like he used to before trying to hump my feet (there’s no actual humping though). He’s also doing the occassional session of very soft grunting. He seems very happy, he does it in a more relaxed way – not so wound up like he used to. Is there any reason that he’s gone back to doing this? I thought these were hormonal behaviours?

[LongEaredLions]

Could he just be happy to see you? Bella always runs around my feet when she is happy to see me or if it is veggie time.
If he seems relaxed and happy, I wouldn’t think that it is because of a new smell or something….

[jerseygirl]

http://language.rabbitspeak.com/
The sub heading “Yippie Skippie” specifically.

Also, rabbits do still have hormone surges at times, despite being desexed. I *think*. I’m sure I read that somewhere once upon a time.

[Rufus]

Thanks guys!

LEL – it’s normally after we’ve been hanging out for a bit so I didn’t think it could be that he was just happy to see me.

Jerseygirl – that Yippie Skippy description is exactly it!  It also explains why it’s more int he morning when he has a lot of energy. Aww he’s such a cutie, I feel like I’ve been depriving him by not dancing back! At least I have been giving him nose rubs though

[Deleted User]

Hey! I am no expert, am learning from the net (not much, why I have joined this site…) and my vet who was able to confirm or dismiss anything I thought dumb! Lol!  I thought circling meant that the bunny liked you?  I hope so, cause he circles my dogs (if they tolerate him long enough to lay there while he does it). Henry was desexed a few weeks ago, and shows none of his boyish behaviour – yay! Being that he sprayed us, the dogs and I on my bed. And he tried to molest my 14yo Lhasa Apso x Maltese and now he’s happy to lay beside her and eat from there two dog dishes (yes, Henry has his pellets in his).  Also Henry stands to climb up my leg – no humping, and I’m sure it’s to see what I’m doing (I hope?)  I’m sure it’s all affection and curiosity… and the circling, yep, he likes/loves ya! How cool, how lucky are you!  Henry doesn’t circle me… sad face.

[Elrohwen]

Lots of rabbits continue these behaviors long after being fixed. My neutered male circles my spayed female and grunts softly, and sometimes will do it to me (usually if I’m holding a treat). It’s generally a sign of affection 🙂

[Deleted User]

Really, no one see’ the bunny circling them as “I like you”?  Geeee…….  Yes, I get the before being desexed thing wanting to love you more than like you.  But whether it’s love or like, especially after being desexed – enjoy that he’s showing that he’s happy because of you!

[Author]

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