Human emotion

Hi guys,

Sorry, been absent a while.

Humphrey mostly lives in my utility, but is allowed freedom of the house in the evening. I think he's fairly typical in that he will come to cuddle me for a few minutes, then run around/explore/flop.

My mum sadly passed away on Monday, so I went to stay at their house. Humphrey was allocated his own room and seems very happy (he has the pet carrier and litter tray he used at my home in there, plus toys). However, he is now always happy to be picked up (50/50 before) and will be cuddled for what seems like hours, only I get worried that he might need water etc, so put him back.

Can rabbits read emotions, and therefore be more lazy? Or should I be worried that he could be sick?

Thanks all.

Hi Sandie83,

It's very sad to hear your Mum passed away. I don't know if rabbits can understand human emotions but they can pick up on our sometimes very subtle changes in behaviour/smells, for example when we are ill they can be more attentive and seem to keep an eye on us.

Humphrey might be picking up on this sort of change in behaviour. He might also be seeking more reassurance as he is in a new place.

How else has his behaviour changed? Is he still eating and drinking? Is he pooing and weeing as normal? Is he still running/exploring and flopping? Are there any signs of illness? Sometimes if a rabbit is quieter than normal, it can be a sign of pain.

Give him an all over check - nose (clean and dry), ears (clean and dry), skin and fur (clean, even and shiny), tail - clean and dry), nails trimmed, teeth (a vet would be needed to make sure the teeth are ok)

If you are really worried though, it is always worth making sure with a vet.

Rabbits do go through changes in behaviour at different times of year.

One of the things that I often discuss with a friend of mine is lone bunny versus bonded bunnies. I think we are agreed that for some rabbits living alone is fine however other do get lonely even with lots of human contact.

If you are concerned that he is getting clingy to you because he is desperate for attention then maybe it would be worth considering a partner for him.

However he is likely to realise that there is something wrong with you and be responding to that. If I am unwell and vegging/snoozing on the sofa Bruce will often come and climb to my summit as if somehow on guard duty.

Hi Sandie 83.
Sorry to hear that your mum has passed away, please look after your self as times may seem rough and emotional for a while.  
I don't think Rabbits or other animals can read the emotions though I can see by experience that they react on the moods and vibes that have changed in ous and that we now project in our enviroment.
And so he might just want to be a little closer to you, take the offer and be comforted by him. Bunnies are good listeners indeed.
Be sure we are here if needed too!

So sorry to hear about your mother.    To answer your question as to if rabbits can read our emotions, the answer is YES! They pick upon subtleties in our behavior and act. Our bunnies have all reacted when one or both of us is ill or sick. Lady would gaurd the doorway of the person wwho was ill. You would get lunged at and posaibly nipped if you tried to get past..

Each one has their own way of dealing with our sadness. Some have offered comfort by closeness like yours may be. Another may try to cheer you bye being silly. Our paraplegic bunny, Trooper, would get our attention with a noisy toy and demand to play. Our Lady would try and share their carrot by taking a nibble and dropping it in our laps.

Your bun may just need reassurance or both, but I imagine it's just your sadness it's picking up on. We know bunnies grieve when a mate or their person leaves or dies. They are emotionally complex.

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about your mum. I'm sending my condolences

It could be a number of things making Humphrey behave this way. He is in a new environment and might just be seeking a bit more comfort than usual. As Cheryl has mentioned, often times bunnies change their behaviour depending on the time of year - I know my Willow can get quite grumpy around this time of year. Also, he could well be picking up on your emotions. I am a strong believer that animals know when something is up. It might be his way of offering comfort to you...

As long as he is eating, drinking, pooping and fairly active as normal I shouldn't worry too much. It's always good to get a health check with your vet though if you are really concerned

I am so sorry to hear about your mum hun. Holly definately reads emotions. She knows when I am upset and when I am happy so I tend to think all buns will be the same.

Hugs
JO xx

You've had good advice about Humphrey, so I just wanted to add my condolences over the loss of your Mum     

So sorry to hear about your mum Hun xxxxx

I agree with the advice above, if he is eating and his poo size is normal then is say either he is feeling a little lonely, or picking up that you are feeling sad. My vet is a firm believer that buns pick up on the emotions if people.

I'm sure that buns, like lots of animals, do pick up on non verbal communication. Animals interpret all their rules and social behaviour by observing each other so it makes sense that they do this with us too.

I am sorry to hear about your loss and send my condolences. :hug:

Very sorry to hear about your mum.

When I was sad and crying before dougal I am sure knew I was sad and he nose kissed me twice and then would not leave me, he stayed in the bedroom with me, even at night which he rarely does as he stays in his main warren of his own and he kept watching me constantly and following me even more.

There's a lot of good advice there like Sparky said.

I have nothing to add... Just wanted to say sorry about your mum

I am sorry to hear of your Mum. I hope you are coping OK       

I hope you are OK love.

Hugs
JO xx