Lots of licking?

[Tessie]

So Albus (who I introduced in the welcome thread today!) seems to be what his breeder called ‘a licker’.  

I didn’t know what she meant at the time but I see it now! 

He seems to, well… lick a lot (as stupid as that sounds)! 

He licks my clothes and my hands, so obviously I’d like to tell myself that this is because he adores me  haha, but I don’t think that’s actually the case! I don’t think it’s him showing love partly because only been here a day so, and also because he doesn’t seem keen to be petted yet so I don’t think he consideres us friends yet. Also he’s licked my flatmates who he’s only spent half a hour ish with so it doesn’t seem likely that he’s taken to us all so quickly.

The behaviour seems a little strange to me, when he does it he will lick maybe 6 times or so in quick succession (is that normal?) As far as I’ve seen its only people he licks, not any furniture or anything…  He also licks his lips quite often. He’s been drinking plenty of water so I don’t think he’s dehydrated, but as I’ve never had a bunny that does this before I’m a little concerned maybe its a sign of something wrong with him? 

So, I guess my question is: Is this normal? There’s not anything wrong with him is there? Is it possible he’s just overly affectionate? How can I tell the difference between a loving kiss and just this enthusiastic licking? 

[LBJ10]

Some babies like to explore with their mouths more than others. I wouldn’t be too worried. It sounds like it is just his way of checking things out in unfamiliar surroundings.

[Rufus]

As I write this Rufus is licking all over my pillow case. He licks everything that smells like me all the time. He licks my hands, face and toes as much as I’ll let him and when I stop him he goes after my pillows and sheets in particular. It’s a bit weird but you get used to it!

[Tessie]

Hmmm… I’m just not sure what to make of it! How do I know if it’s a sign of affection or just him licking for the sake of it?

[LBJ10]

That’s a good question and probably one not easily answered. Indiscriminate licking is probably not out of affection. But if your bunny is licking in circumstances where perhaps he is reciprocating, then I would say it is definitely affection. Example, you are petting him and interacting with him and he “grooms” you back.

[Tessie]

Thanks for your thoughts guys, when I fist noticed I thought he must be mad, haha!

[LittlePuffyTail]

My Bridge Bunny, Stormy used to lick a lot too. He would lick our clothes, bed sheets, etc but he would also lick his Mom and Dad. If I was snuggling him, he would groom me. It was so adorable. I think the “grooming” was def an affection thing. He was very bonded to us.

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