Small pet body language

Do you sometimes wish you know what your small pet is trying to tell you? Here are a few hints of what your pet’s behaviour could mean.

Bunny tales

Your rabbit might be more subtle in the signs that he gives you to tell you what he wants. By spending more time with your rabbit, you should be able to tell after a while when he is afraid, happy or trying to tell you something else.

Chinning

Question Is he marking something?

What it could mean Rabbits have scent glands under their chins, which they use to mark things. It could mean that your rabbit is marking a spot so that he will remember where to go, or if he chins you, he could be showing his affection for you.

Flopping

Question Is he okay?

What it could mean Your rabbit might literally fall to the ground and just lie there – this is called flopping. Your rabbit is most probably content and relaxed. Exposing his tummy is a way to show that he is happy.

Nipping

Question Is he mad?

What it could mean Your rabbit could be nipping you to show his affection, like a cat shows her owner affection. Or your rabbit might feel agitated and is asking you to back off. Nipping can also be a bonding behaviour – your rabbit’s way of ‘grooming’ you.

Birdy tales

Some birds are more communicative than others and won’t try to hide their feelings, while others give more subtle signs. Spend time with your bird and you’ll soon know when he is happy, and when he’s not.

 

Flapping wings

Question Does he want to fly away?

What it could mean Staying in one place and flapping his wings could mean that your bird is trying to get your attention. He might also simply be exercising his wings. Or he is showing how happy he is. Don’t be surprised if he adds some sounds to it too.

Biting

Question Is he angry?

What it could mean A bird’s beak is his biggest self-defence weapon and can deliver a nasty bite – some species more so than others. If your bird bites you, he is most probably angry with you, and not happy at all.

Partially closed eyes

Question Is he tired?

What it could mean When your bird’s eyes are partially closed, it could mean that he is tired and wants to sleep. But, if he almost closes his eyes when you are petting him, it means that he is enjoying it and wants you to continue. The moment you stop the petting, he will most probably open his eyes wide again.

 

 

Hamster tales

In the wild, hamsters have to communicate with each other for various reasons. Once again, you have to ‘read’ your hamster’s body language in the context of his surroundings and other signs he might be showing.

Chattering teeth

Question Is he cold?

What it could mean No, your hamster is not cold. He is trying to tell you to stay away. He could be scared or maybe he’s feeling aggressive. Either way, leave him alone.

 

Yawning

Question Is he tired?

What it could mean He could be bored or exhausted and that’s why he is yawning. But, if he yawns while he is stretching with an open mouth and squinting eyes, he is most likely comfortable, relaxed and happy.

Watching you

Question Is he curious?

What it could mean Yes, your hamster is most probably curious. If his ears are erect, and especially if he is leaning forward a bit, he is curious to see what you’re doing.

 

Fish tales

Fish don’t make any sounds that we can hear, and they don’t have limbs to show us what they want to tell us. But, if you watch your fish closely, you will realise that he too has body language signals that he is giving you.

Hiding

Question Is he scared?

What it could mean Yes, it is possible that your fish is scared of something. But that’s not the only reason why some fish hide between plants and objects in the water. It could be that he just wants to rest for a while.

Erratic swimming

Question Is he okay?

What it could mean It could be that your fish is playing in the water. Or maybe he’s trying to tell you that he is not happy with the water quality, or that he is feeling ill. You should take him to the vet if he keeps on swimming in an erratic way.

Gasping for air

Question Can he breathe?

What it could mean This is most probably a sign that there is not enough oxygen in the water or that the quality of the water is poor. Test the water to check its quality and oxygen level.