Teaching a rabbit to speak rabbit

[Harley&Thumper]

It’s often said that single rabbits don’t know how to speak rabbit and this can make the bonding process difficult. Is it possible to teach a rabbit how to interact with other rabbits before bonding sessions begin?

[Sirius&Luna]

I think this is mostly about long-term single buns, or buns that were orphaned very young. Since Storm was with her mother and siblings until she was 8 weeks old, and hasn’t been single for too long, she shouldn’t be too socially backwards!

If this is about shelter bunnies in general… Then I’m not sure. I guess the squealing when bitten is a good start.

[Wick & Fable]

I think it’s possible, but it would take time and consistency on the owner’s part. I only have Wick, and he’s been a single bun with no bunny interaction since he was 8 weeks old.

A while ago, I made a post about how Wick didn’t seem to know he could use his front paws to dig through hay and stuff. I got him small toys to stuff food in for food engagement, and from that, he eventually learned that he had front paws for digging. He is 1.5 years old now and starting about 2 months ago I’d say, he is now digging through his hay like a “normal” rabbit.

I do practice reciprocating grooming with him, to the extent that I mimic what I’ve seen bonded rabbits do in social media clips. I give him his turn to groom me, then I groom him back. When I stop grooming him, he grooms me, and then I reciprocate, and vice versa. I’d like to think that’s teaching some communication cues, though I’m unsure. If I lay next to him, Wick does settle down to a lounge and the grooming begins, so one way or another, he gets it.

And yes, squealing at biting.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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