what does bunny “clapping” mean

[prince dorian the bun]

As a new bun owner I am still trying to figure out Dorian’s body language… one that I am a bit stuck on is when he does this thing with his front paws where he beats them really fast to the point it makes a noise… it’s a little like a clap, but up and down versus together. Sometimes I think he is annoyed, but other times he is definitely happy. He’ll sometimes do it if I just put down his food bowl. He doesn’t do it that often, maybe a couple times a week, so having a hard time figuring it out.

 

[Wick & Fable]

It is surprising to know their tiny paws can flick with such force!

This is a typical grooming behavior. You can think of it like when you wash your hands and you have no towel to dry it, so you might flick your hands to help get them clean. Paw flicking typically precedes face grooming. I see it as a “preparatory” step. It can also be in response to you touching their paws. I’m unsure why it would happen around food time. My thought is pre-eating grooming? or perhaps coincidence? Regardless, it is a normal behavior.

If for any reason you feel he is in pain or discomfort and seems to be doing the flicking in response to an arm injury, that would require more questioning.

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.

[Peanutthebunny]

If it ever looks like your pet rabbit is “clapping” at something by hitting both of his paws together, he’s probably not applauding a musical performance he just enjoyed on your television screen. What he might be doing, however, is beginning his regular grooming regimen.

[prince dorian the bun]

Thanks @Wick that’s good to know. No pain, at least as far as I can tell. He’ll do it sometimes when petted… but rarely grooms after, generally loves pets and when he’s not in the mood he just moves off and we don’t ever force it, so I don’t think annoyed… but maybe.  He does sometimes do grooming after petting & eating, but he does this and then goes eats or just sits back down. Not worried about it, but more is he annoyed or just excited? I am learning a lot of his body language, but sometimes things still confuse me! I did just trim his nails and squished up face to the side definitely means I don’t like this at all! I feel a bit mean, but that one does make me giggle as he just looks so cross, he does however still accept treats! 😀

[jerseygirl]

It’s definitely something I see mine do before they groom the face.  With Dorian, it might be more like a way to shake out the nerves, a bit like that shiver we do often referred to “someone walking over your grave” or the “heebie-jeebies”. So it might sometimes be excited nervous energy when you put food down and/or some flight/fight energy on other occasions.  Does he ever do the foot flicks with back legs?

[LBJ10]

That’s a good thought JG. It does sound like an energy release.

[Louiethebunny]

My rabbit has a sort of “clapping behavior” as described, he kind of rubs his paws together and it looks a big forced, but it is just part of his grooming routine.

[prince dorian the bun]

@jerseygirl – he has two styles of foot flicks, the super excited one and the I am showing you I don’t approve of what you just did, the later is more just a dramatic flick or to and then a cold shoulder… usually last 10 seconds as he’s just not a grumpy soul even if he really wants to be. The other seems to be if there’s food, he gets to go out on the deck or be in my room or we are all in the same room as him. And energy release makes sense. Before food it usually happens after an intense wiggle session.

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