Rabbits are highly emotional creatures. They love to express themselves through their body language and cute little actions. For instance, a rabbit will show disapproval or âfrownâ at you by wiggling its tail.
However, emotions are not the only thing rabbits express through their body language. If a rabbit feels sick or in pain, it will show concern via its actions.
As a new pet owner, you might still be learning about your rabbitâs body language and need help understanding every move of your bunny. So, why does your rabbit twitch its head?
Rabbits can only communicate through their bodies. The most common behaviors in bunnies are head twitching, tail wiggling, and head butting. Bunnies twitch their heads to show emotions and things that are not threatening. However, a rabbit can twitch its head due to an illness or pain.
It must be worrisome if you are a new pet parent and cannot understand why your rabbit is twitching its head. These animals are fragile creatures. A slight delay in catching any illness with these little guys can have dire consequences. Worry not and read along to know all about your bunny rabbitâs head twitching.
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Types of Head Movements That Rabbits Exhibit
People do one behavior for multiple reasons. For example, a person will cry when they are sad, but they can also cry when they are thrilled with happiness. Similarly, rabbits can do a behavior to show multiple emotions or concerns. For that reason, it can be challenging to decipher what your precious pet wants. It could be attention or medical aid.
There are different kinds of body movements that rabbits do throughout their lives:
Trembling
This motion is subtle, like a cat purring. It is a soft vibration coming from your bunny rabbit.
Fur Rippling
People get goosebumps, and bunnies get rippling. Skin or fur rippling is a wave-like motion of your rabbitâs fur, which can make your bunny jolt at the moment.
Twitching
Twitching is a short and jerky movement your rabbit is most likely to exhibit when lying down or sleeping. However, it can also be a sign of some medical concern.
Fits
Firs or convulsions are not something usual. These are violent muscle contractions, which mean your precious furry friend is not feeling well and needs immediate medical help.
Once you know the difference between similar body behaviors that your bunny exhibits, your and your petâs life will become much more manageable. It can avoid panicking, anxiety, and unnecessary worry for you.
Reasons for Twitching That Are Not Life-Threatening for Your Rabbit
As mentioned earlier, rabbits can twitch even when they are not in any physical pain. Bunnies are pretty expressive when it comes to showing you how they feel.
The trick is understanding your furry petâs body language and emotional intelligence to have that perfect bond with it.
You might have been freaking out about your rabbitâs twitching its head when you gave it something new to eat.
Do not worry; your bunny could be doing that in excitement, not an allergic reaction. To remove any confusion in the future for you, here is a list of non-threatening things that can make your rabbit twitch:
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Happiness
If you have been around a cat, you must have noticed that cats purr when they are content with your presence.
Rabbits twitch to show happiness, just like their feline fellow. If your precious furry friend is relaxed near you and twitches when you pet it, your rabbit is happy with the amount of attention and love you are giving it.
Sleeping
Many people twitch in their sleep, making you think they are awake or scared of a nightmare. Rabbits tend to twitch or jerk in their sleep too.
It could be an involuntary movement, or maybe they are running from a predator. However, violent twitching can be a sign of a severe medical condition.
Hiccups
As with their other furry friends, rabbits can get an occasional hiccup spell. It is nothing to worry about as it is natural to experience this once in a while. However, if you notice your rabbit hiccuping for consecutive days, it is best to contact your vet about it.
Anger
Apart from biting or thumping their hind feet at anything that has caused them to feel angry, rabbits can also twitch and shake their heads. If you have done anything to offend your bunny, you might exhibit some head twitching.
Fear
Rabbits are fragile creatures with tiny hearts that get scared quickly. Your bunny can get scared by bright lights, sudden movements, or loud noises. Your precious pet will twitch and shake when it is afraid.
Twitching Due To Health Issues
Plenty of health issues can make your rabbit twitch its head in discomfort and pain. You can look for symptoms along with the head twitching to see if your bunny is sick or emotional.
Here is a list of health issues that can make your rabbitâs head twitch:
Ear Mites
Do not wait too long if you notice your bunny twitching its head too much. Ear mites can cause this behavior in your bunny. Your bunny will show other symptoms too.
Look out for ear scratching, thinning hair, crusty ears, etc. Rabbits can experience ear mites if they live outside, in a crowded area, and are stressed.
Ear Wax Build-Up
Bunnies cannot groom and clean their ears. A pet owner needs to clear out excessive ear wax. Otherwise, your rabbit will twitch its head and scratch its ear, causing pain.
Ear Infection
Your rabbit can twitch its head when it is going through an ear infection. You can notice redness in your rabbitâs ear as a second infection symptom.
Dental Issues
A rabbit has ever-growing teeth. Your bunny uses food to trim its teeth. It can cause hygiene issues and pain for your precious furry friend.
Head Tilt Disease
Also known as vestibular disease, this medical condition can cause involuntary twitches in your poor rabbit. It is best to contact your vet for a head twitch to avoid any delays in recovery from any health issues.
Stress
Rabbits experience twitching when they are stressed and anxious. Prolonged stress can cause health issues for your furry baby.
Digestive Problems
If your rabbit is not eating the optimal diet, it can develop digestive issues. Painful gas, constipation, and diarrhea are frequent in rabbits that do not eat right. Your rabbit will twitch from abdominal discomfort and pain.
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What To Do When Your Rabbit Twitches Its Head?
Your rabbit will twitch its head for plenty of reasons. Some will be worrisome, others only emotional responses. When you notice your rabbit twitching its head, you should instantly try to pinpoint its reason.
If your bunny is head twitching due to emotional distress, try to resolve it immediately. Rabbits are anxious creatures and can get stressed due to any emotional discomfort. If your bunny still twitches its head after resolving every possible emotional issue, there is an underlying health concern.
It is best not to wait to figure it out independently; contact your vet immediately. A professional will be much quicker at finding out what might be wrong with your precious rabbit and begin treatment without any delays.
While you wait for your vet, keep your rabbit calm, loved, and safe. Rabbits get traumatized even from the slightest physical discomfort. Try to ease your bunny as much as possible.
Final Words
Rabbits do various cute behaviors that their pet parents cannot understand. Before raising a rabbit, learn as much as possible about them. Bunnies are complex living things and need quite a bit of attention and care.
Twitching in a rabbit can be caused due to something cute or life-threatening. Spend enough time with your bunny so you are familiar with its usual behavior to notice the unusual ones.
As a pet owner, your rabbit will depend on you for safety, food, snuggles, and playtime. Bond with your precious pet and feel yourself and your rabbit grow emotionally and mentally better. Plus, having a cute rabbit hopping around your place is a happy sight and reduces stress.
You will keep a living thing happy and healthy in a safe environment. The satisfaction will be unmatched. Give your rabbit tons of love, attention, hay, and snuggles to keep it hopping, zooming, and happy.