When rabbits thump their hind feet, they are signaling to other rabbits that there is danger in the area and that they are preparing to run if necessary. If you thump your hand on the floor, rabbits may become paranoid and afraid. If your rabbit thumps while you are playing with him, back off and give him some space.
Rabbits also will bite. If a rabbit bites hard, this is a sign of annoyance, anger, and fright. Once again, leave your rabbit alone if he bites hard. Rabbits also bite to show love and affection. These bites are light and do not hurt. If your rabbit gives you a "love bite", pet him and talk to him in a quiet voice to exchange affection.
Often, rabbits grunt and squeak. Rabbits often do this to show fright and anger; therefore, if your rabbit is grunting at you while you are holding him, lighten your grip. If this does not work, leave your rabbit alone to calm down.
Spaying or neutering your rabbit will help your rabbit to be happier, healhier, calmer, and may enrich his chances of living a long life. If your rabbit is under two years old and not "fixed", have him spayed or neutered. If a rabbit is in the mature rabbit stage, have a full veterinary checkup performed. This may include blook work and may be expensive for you and traumatic for your rabbit, so it is best to get it done while your rabbit is young. You should always have your rabbit checked before surgery no matter what age he or she is. After surgery, rabbits may still engage in some sexual contact. This is normal and will lessen within time. Do not be alarmed, nothing will result from these activities. To find out more about spaying and neutering, visit this page.
Rabbits also do many things to show love. This includes circling your feet, grinding teeth (like a cat purring), and rubbing their chins against you. When rabbits rub their chins against something, they are claiming it as theirs. This is because rabbit scent glands are located on their necks. Many times you will see your rabbit rubbing his chin on the things that he enjoys: his toys, his food bowl, his water bottle/crock, and places that he likes to play in.
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