How to Speak Rabbit

When you are raising rabbits it helps to know the definition of words unique to the rabbit world. (Did he say BOSS? What’s a fluffle? My rabbit is broken?)

two rabbits talking

Eh? What was that you said?

The following terms should get you through most conversations and before you know it you’ll be speaking rabbit.

A Directory of Bunny Terms

The Basics

rabbit – a small mammal (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticusWIKIPEDIA
bunny – a common name for a rabbIt
buck – male rabbit
doe – female rabbit
dewlap – a fold of skin under a rabbit’s chin
junior – a rabbit younger than 6 months
grow outa junior rabbit that is being raised for meat
senior – a rabbit older than 6 months

colony/nest/herd/fluffle – a group of rabbits

This article contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I make a commission (at no additional cost to you). My rabbits thank you for helping to pay for their bunny treats. ❤

Bunny Homes

rabbitry – where rabbits are kept
cage – wire home for your bunny
hutch – wire/wood home, often with an attached run area
colony housing – rabbits living in a community in a large enclosure
free range – bunnies that live without an enclosure

Fur

solid/self – fur is all one color
shaded – fur is all one color but transitions from dark to light
broken – white fur “broken” with color patches or spots, this can include nose markings, colored ears, and/or eye circles

This is Aspen. He is “broken black.” He’s a white rabbit with black ears, eye circles, and a few random spots elsewhere.

broken black rabbit

I’m broken black and I’m very handsome.

Making More Bunnies

sire – father
dam – mother
kit/kitten – baby rabbit
breeding – sire and dam mate to produce baby bunnies
fall off  – at the end of mating, the male “falls off” (often rather dramatically)
gestation – the time between breeding and kindling
kindling – giving birth to kits
nest box/kindling box – a box provided to the dam for having her litter
litter – baby rabbits born from a single mating
weaning – when baby bunnies move to adult food and stop nursing, about 4-5 weeks
sexing – determining the gender of a rabbit (a very tricky thing to do when they’re little)
trio –  two does and one buck, often chosen to start a rabbitry or new line of rabbits.

Behaviors

binky/binkies – an expression of joy, a jump with a twist or kick
chinning – rubbing their chin on something to mark ownership
flopping – a heavy drop onto their side, usually a relaxed happy movement
kisses – licking you, a show of affection

Acronyms You Will Hear Tossed About

ACV – apple cider vinegar
BOSS – black oil sunflower seeds

Helpful Resource:
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV: RABBIT TERMS
For an amazingly huge glossary of rabbit terms.

Suggested Reading:
HOW TO PICK A HEALTHY RABBIT
Take them home healthy!

Image Credits
two bunnies talking © croisy / Pixabay
Aspen © Lori Byerly / Dandelion Hill Homestead
Pinterest image / bunnies talking © croisy / Pixabay

Hi, I’m Lori and I’m delighted you stopped in for a visit. Pull up a chair and let me introduce you to NEWTON

Lori & Newton

WHAT'S NEW ON
DANDELION HILL?

Sign up to receive homesteading links, articles, freebies, and more.
(See the latest issue.)

 

HOP ON OVER!


GREAT PRODUCTS

Make it yours with reCap mason jar lids.