One of the more curious things that we see from our rabbits is chin rubbing. This is when a rabbit unexplainably rubs its chin on objects and sometimes even us, but what does it mean? is our rabbit trying to tell us something?
Chinning is a normal rabbit behavior and is a way that rabbits mark out territory. Rabbits have scent glands located underneath the chin which they use to let other rabbits know that an area belongs to them. Rabbits also chin humans which is also thought to be a rabbit’s way of showing affection to an owner.
Rabbit Scent Glands
The scent glands located in the rabbit’s chin aren’t the only ones they have however they are the most socially acceptable.
A rabbit’s other scent glands are located between the genitals and anus. Fortunately, your rabbit does not use these to mark territory, they are just for other rabbits.
Why is My Rabbit Chinning Everything?
Our rabbits may appear to be more or less silent to us but when it comes to communication between themselves and their fellow bunnies, they speak loudly and clearly through a range of complex body language and behaviors. Chinning is one of these behaviors.
Rabbits bought into a new environment are very interested in these surroundings and keen to make claim to this fascinating new environment (and all of the objects in it).
When a rabbit rubs its chin on an object this deposits the rabbit’s individual scent on it. Though completely undetectable by us it’s a clear signal to other bunnies, and a rabbit’s way of saying ‘back off, this is mine!’
If you have more than one rabbit you’ll also probably notice them trying to immediately steal territory back with chinning if it has been chinned by another rabbit.
Is Chinning Normal Rabbit Behavior?
Yes, chinning is completely normal and is a behavior associated with territory and common in both domestic and wild rabbits.
In the wild rabbits use chinning to define their territorial boundaries to other rabbits, not within their group.
Along with chinning both male and female rabbits (though more so bucks) will spray their territory and scatter territorial droppings (often referred to as pills) within territorial boundaries to mark the territory of the group warren.
Domestic rabbits are also likely to display spraying behavior which can be problematic if the rabbit is a house bunny however, this behavior can largely be curbed by spaying or neutering.
Should I Try and Stop My Rabbit From Chinning?
No. Rabbit chinning is a rabbit’s natural behavior and a rabbit should not be punished in any way for behaving naturally.
Just as we put out our home furnishings when we move into our own place, chinning is a rabbit’s way of doing the same.
The scent left behind after having chinned something is not something that can be smelt by humans, leaves no visible residue, and will not cause any damage.
Just let the rabbit go about its business and be thankful it isn’t spraying urine instead.
Rabbit Rubbing Chin on You? Here’s What It Means
We understand that chin rubbing is a territorial behavior but it can seem a little strange when your rabbit starts rubbing its chin on you, its owner. What is it trying to tell you?
If you have a house rabbit your pet will have likely spent a sufficient amount of its time marking out its territory around your home but when it comes to property you’re included.
If you carry out a good cleaning of a room your rabbit uses and will probably quickly notice your rabbit claiming it again. Likewise, your rabbit will also notice if your scent is different, especially if you’ve had a bath or shower.
By rubbing its chin on you the pet is indicating to all other pets that you belong to them.
The other reason that rabbits may rub their chins on you is of course love. Rabbits are very affectionate animals, especially to owners that treat them with kindness.
A rabbit rubbing its chin on you is a sign of affection (after all the rabbit could just as easily spray you from the other end which would be very unpleasant!) and shows that the rabbit thinks of you as important property and something worth keeping.
Rabbit Chin Rubbing on Other Rabbits
If you keep rabbits as a bonded male and female pair, you may notice them rubbing their chins on each other on occasion, again this is a sign of love and affection.
Rabbit Chin Rubbing on Food
Food is just as important to rabbits as property. If you have a pair of rabbits sharing a home you may see one of them stake claim to items of food you place in their space, even if it was meant for sharing!
Rabbit Dominance
If you keep a bonded same-sex pair, for example, two bucks you may witness behavior that can often be confused with chin rubbing at first glance.
When two new rabbits are introduced, particularly male-male pairings you may see one of the rabbits bowing its head very low to the floor directly in front of the head of the other rabbit.
This isn’t love, not to say that the pairing won’t eventually grow close (although this can be difficult in male-male pairings) but is actually the end of a dominance struggle whereby one rabbit (the one standing tall) has emerged as the dominant member of the pair.
From then on you may see the dominant rabbit always eating first at the food bowl with the more submissive of the two waiting its turn.
Chinning and Aggression
One of the main things that chinning shows is that rabbits are very territorial, it’s very important for them to have their own space.
Those lucky enough to share your home will probably recognize you as being no threat however those that have hutches outside the home may become very aggressive if you appear once a week to mess up their freshly chinned territory (also known as cleaning time!).
Aggression may manifest as anything from grunting (get out of my space!), lunging, or if you are very unlucky even biting. Remember, this is nothing personal, it’s just a rabbit’s way of protecting its personal space.
If you are a rabbit owner and have aggression issues with your own rabbit, you can learn how to stop a rabbit from biting here.
Wrap Up
Rabbits have a lot of interesting behaviors and means of communication. Most of them are subtle actions between them and a companion of the same species however chinning is one that we get to see and understand.
As well as being very sweet, chinning is a very important means of communication for a rabbit. It establishes territory and gives a rabbit a space that feels like their own.
Just as a child enjoys having their own room to play rabbits feel the same way. If you are a rabbit owner yourself set out an area and fill it with interesting and enriching toys for your rabbit to chin. Where possible, keep this area free of interruptions and respect your rabbit’s space.
Further Reading
What is my Bunny Saying? Decode Your Bunny’s Behavior kaytee.com
What Does Chin Rubbing Mean for a Rabbit? animals.mom.com
12 Common Rabbit Behaviors That Might Puzzle You be.chewy.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do male and female rabbits rub their chins on things?
Both male and female rabbits rub their chins on things. This is a behavior called “chinning,” marking their territory with scent glands under their chin.
Do rabbits like their chin rubbed?
Many rabbits enjoy gentle chin rubs. It’s a sign of bonding and trust. However, each rabbit is different and some may not like it.
What is the body language of an unhappy rabbit?
Unhappy rabbits may show body language such as thumping their hind legs, hiding, or being less active. Changes in eating or bathroom habits can also indicate distress.
How do you know if your rabbit likes you?
If a rabbit likes you, it may nudge you with its nose, lick you, or leap and twist in the air (binky). They might also relax and lie down near you.
Do rabbits like to give kisses?
Some rabbits do give kisses, which is a sign of affection. However, each rabbit is unique in its way of showing trust and love.
