Why Do Rabbits Binky?

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Knowing the mannerisms of your pet rabbit is pretty important. This knowledge can give you useful insight into your rabbit’s health, mood, and general well-being. While pet owners experience a range of emotions when their rabbits perform this amazing trick. It’s usually a mixture of exhilaration and fear. They often wonder why do rabbits binky in the first place. We know that a rabbit’s behaviours are used to communicate with you and their rabbit buddies. One of the more extroverted rabbit behaviours is the binky. So, it’s pretty hard to miss. Here we will look at the rabbit binky at length. We hope that we can shed some light on any questions that you may have on this incredible display.

What is a binky?

A binky is an acrobatic leap that a rabbit makes into the air. The rabbit twists his body as he leaps and kicks out his hind legs. Pet owners love to see their rabbits perform this gymnastic trick!

Bunnies can binky from a stationary position, but sometimes they binky when they are running and frolicking about.

Binky landings are not always graceful. Your rabbit may crash to the ground. If your rabbit has a shaky dismount, this will not discourage him from binkying over and over again

Why does a rabbit binky?

Your rabbit may binky for a number of reasons. However, they are all linked to positive feelings.

• Your rabbit may binky when she is happy – She may burst in a series of binkies when you get home. He may do binkies if he has been treated to his favourite treat. The reason why the binky is not necessarily a graceful act because it is an expression of sheer joy. Remember, rabbits are not particularly vocal creatures. This is one of their ways of expressing their most positive emotion.
• Your rabbit may binky when she is content – If your rabbit is comfortable and has adequate living accommodations, she may binky. If your pet rabbit lives in a peaceful environment without noisy pets or children, he may feel comfortable to perform this entertaining trick.
• Your rabbit may binky because he is in good health – A healthy rabbit will, of course, be energetic. He or she will have strong healthy limbs. Your rabbit is able to show off his agility when he is in a great mood.

How high can a rabbit binky?

You are probably accustomed to seeing your rabbit hop from the floor to your bed and vice versa. However, when rabbits binky they can get pretty high into the air. A rabbit can actually leap 4 feet vertically into the air. Rabbits are able to attain this height because of their powerful hind legs. Those legs work like a spring that propels them into the air.

Why won’t my rabbit binky when my friends are around?

A binky is often a bonding ritual between you and your rabbit. Often the display is just for you. Your pet rabbit may become shy if your friends are over and may be reluctant to perform. Remember, rabbits often become nervous around strangers. As such they may be reluctant to binky.

You may have also noticed that if you take out a camera to record them, they seem to just clam up and look at you warily. They may find your behaviour when attempting to record them strange. As such they will be more focused on what you are doing. If you want to record your rabbit’s binky. We suggest that you don’t hold your recording device, but set it up in a spot that you will be able to capture the fun.

I have never seen my rabbit binky, why is that?

There are a few reasons why your rabbit may not be binkying. However, if your rabbit isn’t performing the jovial activity. It may not be a cause for alarm. Here are a few reasons why your rabbits are not leaping about:

• Your bun may be too old to binky – If you have an elderly bun, his binkying days may be over. Remember a binky requires agility, energy and a certain amount of muscular strength. If your rabbit is no longer in his prime. He may no longer have the desire to binky.
• Your rabbit may be overweight – If your rabbit is overweight. He may not binky for obvious reason. He may sense that he is too heavy to launch off the ground.

• Your rabbit may be still adjusting – This may be the case if you have just adopted or bought your pet rabbit. She may still be getting accustomed to her new environment and hasn’t quite settled in as yet. As soon as she knows that this is her new home, the binkying may begin.
• Your bunny may just not be into binkying – As you may have guessed by now, each rabbit has his or her own personality. Some may be outgoing and fun-loving. While some bunnies may be more reserved and have a quieter nature. These bunnies may not binky. It does not mean they are unhappy or unsettled. It just means that’s not the way they wish to express themselves.
• Your rabbit may have been mistreated in the past – This may be the case with bunnies that have been rescued. Unfortunately, sometimes the people who own rabbits have no idea how to properly care for them. This rabbit may have been tortured by a rowdy pet or had inadequate living space. Or maybe your rabbit’s previous home was too noisy, and he was constantly afraid. However, this does not mean that your rescue rabbit will never do binkies. She just needs time. With a little tender loving care, she may feel safe and comfortable enough to treat you to her playful display.
• Your floor may not be appropriate – This might sound strange. However, if you have smooth tiles or floorboards, your rabbit may not binky. Your rabbit is never totally comfortable on smooth surfaces.
• Your rabbit’s nails may be too long – Long nails can add to traction issues on smooth surfaces.

Can a rabbit hurt himself while binkying?

Injuries due to binkies are pretty rare. Your rabbit can usually gauge if something is safe or not. Pet owners often get concerned with the awkward binky landings.

What can I do to encourage my rabbit to do binkies?

If you have never seen your rabbit binky and you are quite sure that she is not doing it when you are not around. There may be some things you can do that may eventually make her comfortable enough to want to perform.

Make sure your rabbit’s living conditions are as comfortable as possible- As you may know by now, rabbits are creatures of comfort and they are at their best when their environment is up to a particular standard. Your rabbit needs enough space in his cage or hutch. It should be cleaned regularly. If you have a backyard, you should allow him to explore, once it is safe. If you live in an apartment you can take your rabbit to a park. All of this helps your rabbit live his best life.

• Ensure that your rabbit is healthy – Your rabbit will not binky if she is unwell. You need to feed her 80% hay and 20 % vegetables and fruit. Pellets are optional. Never feed your rabbit sugary snacks. This can lead to dental issues and obesity. It is also recommended that you take your rabbit for regular veterinary check-ups.
• Create a safe environment – If you have other pets like dogs and cats. You need to make sure they do not have access to your bunnies. Other animals can terrify rabbits. Rabbits are prey animals and really have no means of defending themselves other than fleeing. Once you create a safe space, your rabbit will be binkying in no time.
• Provide mental stimulation – Rabbits need toys and games. If you want them to start binkying though. You may need to switch it up a bit. You can start by giving your rabbit new toys. Bunnies love obstacle course fun. Introduce some new activities. Your rabbit will be super psyched! You can also take him to a new place like a park. This will push his joy meter through the roof and you may be rewarded with a binky.
• Provide suitable surfaces – Your rabbit needs the right surface to binky. Carpets and grass are the most appropriate. Rabbits need a certain amount of traction for binkying.

Do wild rabbits binky?

They certainly do. However, since they are in the wild, they have to be sure that there are no predators around first. They usually stand on their hind legs and sniff the air. Once they are convinced that they are safe they binky. They certainly have enough space to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

So, if your rabbit is binkying, this is a good sign. It means that you are doing something right. It means that your rabbit is happy and healthy. If your rabbit does binkies when you enter the room, you and your rabbit have a special bond that you should cherish.