Why Does My Bunny Twitch His Head? (Is It Normal)

So, I know I started this piece with a disturbing question, but before you run running to the vet, let me reassure you that your rabbit may occasionally twitch its head, and it is perfectly normal for it to do so, just not all the time. When you see your bunny twitching his head, this question will pop up in your mind. “Why does my bunny twitch his head?”

The interval between each of your rabbit’s twitches and tremors will be 30 seconds. Also, it may twitch its head while running and playing around the house. Even though the habit of twitching his head is totally normal, sometimes it may affect him badly. So, let’s talk about both the good side and bad side of the bunny’s head twitching.

Why Does My Bunny Twitch His Head?

Your rabbit may twitch its head out of happiness, the need to clean up itself, communicate with other bunnies, boss you in a dream, or due to fear. This is simply typical.

Yet, they are also capable of doing this under stress or when they are mad. Ear infections, parasites, trauma, toxicity, and heatstroke are further potential causes, including disorders of the neurological system. Let’s say toxoplasmosis and seizures.

Your rabbit may reprimand you with a head twitch, accompanied by a gentle stomp and a tail flick, when you do something that irritates them, like groom them, trim their names, or force them out of their designated area in order to clean the place. We both recognize that they are the boss; therefore, it’s funny.

Also, it’s normal to twitch its head when your bunny is overjoyed or excited. It will twitch its head while running around, playing, and hopping. It’s cute to watch, though!

When it is cleaning its body while licking itself, it will twitch its head to clean places that cannot reach easily. Also, when mating and playing, bunnies twitch their heads to express their feelings to the other bunny. You can see that if they do this twitching thing romantically, your bunny is in love!

Additionally, you must know that bunnies also dream of past incidents like us. So, it is completely normal to twitch its head while dreaming. But be aware of your bunny if he does it when he is feared.

Is Head Twitching Always Normal for Bunnies?

No, it is not always normal. As I mentioned previously, bunnies will twitch their heads when they have a medical issue, such as an ear infection, ear mites, a build-up of earwax, trauma, toxicity, a displeasing situation, or a heatstroke that requires medical treatment if it twitches its head repeatedly.

Also, head twitching, along with other symptoms such as circling, head tilting, or loss of balance, may indicate an ear infection or a neurological issue.

If you observe your bunny twitching its head or scratching its neck, cheeks, or ears, or if its ears are crusty or droopy, it may have an ear infection or ear mites.

Losing weight and thinning hair are other effects of having ear mites. So, get your bunny to the vet as soon as possible. Don’t let it be until the ear infection is visible to you. It may get worse.

Additionally, if you didn’t detect any health issue connected to its ears, ask the vet to examine him completely, telling him the symptoms for something like a neuro issue or a heart stroke.

Also, if your bunny twitches its head frequently without having a medical issue, it might be because something is bothering and displeasing to him. Observe your bunny and take necessary actions to avoid it so that he will be in comfort.

How Can Owners Distinguish Between Normal and Abnormal Head Twitching?

You can distinguish whether twitching his head is normal or abnormal by observing your bunny carefully. Pay more attention to your bunny when you see it twitching its head.

If it is because of a health issue, you will get to see other symptoms, also. Observe the bunny’s behaviour and body language.

As well as any accompanying symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or discharge from the ears. Bunny will twitch its head in a bad mood on those occasions.

If it is irritating to him, he also might stop consuming food. But if it is normal, you can say that he is doing this in joy, not unpleasantly.

However, if you cannot identify whether your bunny twitching his head is normal or abnormal separately, taking him to a vet is the best option. Keep a log of the bunny’s behaviour and share it with the vet.

How Can Owners Help their Bunnies If they have Abnormal Head Twitching?

Following are some tips on how you can help your bunnies if you have noticed an abnormal head twitching of them.

Most importantly, the best option is the observe the behaviour note them down and contact a vet as soon as possible. The vet will take necessary precautions after examining your bunny and going through your logs. Do any check-ups or treatments if necessary. As bunnies are very sensitive animals, it is better if you could take this issue seriously.
Provide a safe and comfortable environment for your bunny. Most indoor bunnies don’t like to be crowded. They prefer peace and love and the care of the owner. Don’t let your bunny be stressed out or mad. It will cause him an unpleasant and disturbing environment. Minimize noise and stress from the outside.
Clean and comfy the place they are living, whether it is a barn or a place inside your house with access to clean water, hay, and fresh vegetables.
Finally, if you could, take them to a vet at least once a month even though you didn’t notice any symptoms of a medical issue. It is better to examine.

How Can Owners Prevent Head Twitching in their Bunnies?

If your bunny is in excitement, cleaning themselves, communicating with other bunnies, or playing, you don’t have to prevent head twitching in your bunnies.

But if it is because they are ill, stressed, mad, or unpleasant, you might want to take necessary actions to avoid it.

Maintain good hygiene for your bunny’s ears and get him to the vet to check up on neuro and heart issues.
Avoid exposing your bunny to a polluted environment and loud noises.
Avoid giving them stressful situations and doing things they don’t like.
Provide them with a balanced diet with enough fiber and nutrients.
Take care of your bunny with love, and give him plenty of exercise and playtime. Play with him whenever you can!

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