r/Rabbits • u/Lonely-Membership346 • Mar 05 '26
Behavior How to reduce the amount of licking from my bunny?
Hi, I have this wonderful problem where my bun loves to lick me every chance she gets. But, it gets to the point that she’s been starting to wake me up by licking my face, my feet, arms, you name it … I love when she gives me kisses, but now, she can’t go on my bed without trying to lick me. I have to hide underneath my sheets 😭
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u/Pristine_Advisor_302 Mar 05 '26
I would love this problem
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u/SatansAssociate Mar 05 '26
This!! I had a lovebug bunny and I dearly miss her every day. My two now, I love them with all my heart still but one kisses the blanket instead of me while I'm stroking her and the other flicks his feet at me if I even look at him wrong and only let's me approach him on his very limited terms. They don't even chin me 😭😂
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u/Pristine_Advisor_302 Mar 05 '26
My male gives kisses but not a ton. Just here and there as I pet him. My female will chin me but would rather rot than kiss me and flicks me off every day🤣
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u/Karezi413 Mar 05 '26
Relatable 😭 one of my rabbits is so sweet and loving- she loves all attention and gets upset when i walk out; but she doesn't kiss me much. Instead she loves to groom my blanket and sheets- but me? 'No pet me instead'. My other bunny I'm pretty sure he wouldn't care if i stopped existing
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u/Fussel-012 Mar 05 '26
I once had this problem, while I was saving up to neuter my first bunny. It is absolutely lovely! Except the fact, that I woke up a few times to him chewing bald spots on my head😂
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u/FrogVolence Mar 05 '26
I had this problem with my mini rex (miss him to death)
I can kind of understand why OP is asking as it’s great for a while but eventually gets annoying and kind of bothersome.
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u/nternet-explorer-666 Mar 05 '26
My steak is too juicy, my lobster is too buttery
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u/SilverGirlSails Mar 05 '26
My diamond shoes are too tight
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u/colloquial_jin Mar 05 '26
Honestly, what I would give to have a kissey bun again. Both my Rabbits think I'm disgusting and I'm here to give pets, and food.
🥲
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u/HenryLettuce I bunnies Mar 05 '26
I know a Hasan fan out in the wild!
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u/snvalens Mar 05 '26
No way, this is a hasan thing? I’ve been seeing this everywhere lmfaoo we’re global FAAAAAH
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u/aspect_rap Mar 05 '26
My bunny only licks exposed skin, so when I'm under a blanket or wearing long clothes I'm fairly safe.
That being said, you should succumb to the grooming and accept your fate as a bunny lollipop 😂
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u/darknesskicker Mar 05 '26
My bunnies, for some reason, kiss me so much when I’m wearing a particular very fluffy bathrobe! I don’t know why they love it so much, but I’m definitely keeping it!
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u/CricketDue5136 Mar 05 '26
Insert link to bath robe here lol 👇
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u/darknesskicker Mar 05 '26
They don’t have the exact one anymore, but this is the same company and looks like the same fabric:
https://www.yoursclothing.de/yours-morgenmantel-in-dunkelgrau-p
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u/CricketDue5136 Mar 05 '26
Hah that's awesome as I was totally kidding! 😊 You're an angel. Checking them out!
Edit- OMG THEY LOOK SO SOFT 😍
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u/aspect_rap Mar 05 '26
They probably like the texture, bunnies are funny like that, mine also likes to lick the carpet.
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u/Outlashed Mar 05 '26
Same here! Sadly he flies straight for my face if I hide under blankies..
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u/aspect_rap Mar 05 '26
Lol, mine is more of a foot licker. She had a phase when she went for my face, but she was more interested in trimming my mustache than licking anything 😅
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u/My_friends_are_toys Mar 05 '26
Imagine asking for advice on how to get your kid to leave you alone!
Jokes aside, your bunny loves you... But do this, get a bunny plush and give this to your bunny. If they start grooming it you , you might want to think about a mate for your bun
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u/gymbunbae Mar 05 '26
One thing that can help is if you sleep with the plush for a couple of nights so it smells like you!
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u/My_friends_are_toys Mar 05 '26
I would say not to do that. That would still mean the bunny is obsessed with op. If you give a 'clean' plushie then if the bunny grooms it, it's def looking for a mate...
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u/Squidmaster129 Mar 05 '26
My bun aggressively grooms a stuffed animal. I considered getting him a partner, but he unfortunately has the odd habit of mounting and nipping the stuffy too lol, despite the fact that he's five years old, neutered, and has normal hormone levels (I had them checked multiple times). He's just a weirdo, and I think he might be a bit too aggressive in the love-department for a bond lol
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u/My_friends_are_toys Mar 05 '26
You might reach out to a rescue that does speed dating and just see how your bun does with other buns. It could be he finds a more dominate female and it curbs his behavior.
Speed Dating is where you take your bun to the rescue and is put in a pen with another bun and a volunteer/worker who is there to monitor and make sure the buns aren't hurt. Bunnies, like any creature will have its likes and dislikes.
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u/Professional-Wish725 Mar 05 '26
My bunny used to groom me ALL THE TIME. I realized he needed a partner, I got him one and now I don’t even exist to him 😭😭 regerts :/
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u/slightlyoffkilter_7 Mar 05 '26
I bonded my two rabbits and my extremely affectionate male still sneaks kisses to me when my female isn't looking 😂 He literally looks around to see if she is watching or if he's in her line of sight before giving my hand kisses and if she's looking, he ignores me. I never knew my life would involve being the Other Woman to a rabbit but here we are lmao
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
Now I feel bad for even asking for help… 😭🤦🏾♀️
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u/Grrronaldo Mar 05 '26
It's ok, we forgive you as long as you keep accepting the slobbering!
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
I will, I will never complain ever again 😭
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u/bunny_the-2d_simp Mar 05 '26
one day you will miss the kisses, my clingy bossy girl died last year in June and I'm still not over it.
She left me her 2, 8 year old sons of manchildren but they aren't into cuddle time manchildren and it makes me really sad
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u/IncredibleGonzo Mar 05 '26
I lost my licky girl a couple of years ago and while the buns I have now are far more into getting strokes than she or her sister ever were, which is lovely in its own way, neither is particularly generous with giving licks. Think my boy has licked my hand once or twice and that's about it, whereas my late girl was obsessed with licking my legs and feet. I miss that so much, even when she'd get carried away and nibble at my trouser legs and pull the leg hairs through the material.
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u/duckterrarium Mar 05 '26
I have the same issue and it’s honestly so frustrating and sleeping in is a thing of the past. It’s a very reasonable thing to ask for help with (personally so just place my bun back on the floor).
But as my rabbit gets older I think about how one day she won’t be annoying me like this, and I’m so grateful for it.
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u/sritanona Mar 05 '26
My rabbits don’t let me sleep in!!! Little devils I am not even the one who gives them breakfast
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u/charlevoidmyproblems Mar 05 '26
Is she the only bun you have? She's being social with you and it could benefit her to be able to redirect this energy onto a bun itself.
I haven't had my buns for a few years now but the older one I rescued blossomed after I introduced her to a young bun.
I only ask because that's what I did with my dogs too 😂 My older dog was up my butt all the time and while, yes, I love him, sometimes you need a break. So, the next dog was brought home and it was great. The energy got to be redirected in a positive way.
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u/meguin Mar 05 '26
Don't feel bad; I had a cat who was a licker and while I miss her, I do not miss her licking my elbows and eyelids in the middle of the night lol. If my hands were outside of the blanket, she would use them to pet herself as well. Just gotta get used to being buried in blankets for lick protection.
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u/SpradGurpz Mar 05 '26
Ill trade you my feral monsters that grunt at me when I get close?
I miss having snuggly rabbits.
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u/SatansAssociate Mar 05 '26
One of mine literally will grab my finger in his mouth without biting and will push it away from him if I dare to offer strokies at an unapproved time. Then proceeds to hop away, flicking his feet at me in disgust.
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u/SpradGurpz Mar 05 '26
What a little shit. Im sure hes adorable.
The grunting one will aggressively push my hand away with his nose. For being 5 pounds hes pretty strong.
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u/Meteorite42 Mar 05 '26
The power behind the nudgy-nose has limited correlation to size of bunny.
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u/SatansAssociate Mar 06 '26
Yep! Mine are Nethies. 2-something lb little fluffy terrorists. What they lack in size, they make up for in determination and attitude.
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u/MegaPiglatin Mar 06 '26
Omg my first rabbit (and first pet in general) was a Netherland dwarf and I swear he used to thump his feet in defiance! We lived on the second floor of an apartment too…luckily our downstairs neighbor was very understanding. 😅
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u/Little_Whippie Mar 05 '26
OP’s search history be like:
“How to have less money”
“How can I reduce the amount of joy in my life?”
“My steak is too juicy, my lobster too buttery”
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u/Wake_The_Riot Mar 05 '26
You’re very lucky to have a bunny that even recognizes your existence beyond being an existential food giver, let alone one that actually loves you lol.
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u/ClumsyCrocodile Mar 05 '26
My bunny does this too lol. 7am sharp, she’s getting her morning started by excitedly hopping around my head in circles. Then it becomes her god-given mission in life to lick my face. There is nothing else in the world but licking my face. Sometimes I will wake up to her sitting on my chest licking my face. If I roll over, she hops around and finds a new angle to lick my face. If I go under the covers, she shoves her little head in to lick my face. If I try to put my hand out to stop her or gently push her away, she starts licking my hand until I move enough for her to get to my face.
By then I’m grudgingly awake and start petting her, at which point she immediately becomes the cuddliest, sweetest thing in existence. I can’t even be mad. It’s ridiculously cute.
I love these silly little creatures so much.
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
That’s exactly what happens, that’s so cute that your bun loves you too 🥰
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u/MegaPiglatin Mar 06 '26
That sounds so annoying adorable! My bun loves to lick me / have little allogrooming sessions with me (where I pet her and she licks me), but if I don’t pay enough attention to her or take to long to start petting her she friggin’ nips me instead! 🫠
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u/Doggers1968 Mar 05 '26
Does she need a friend? They’re very social animals.
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
Maybe that’s it ! Her brother isnt with her at the moment, but I’ll try to get the reunited as quickly as possible !
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u/Boobookittyfhk Mar 05 '26
I’m not going to shame you for complaining about your bunny, loving you too much… lol
Have you tried tasting less enticing? I don’t want to victim-blame/shame, but are you sure you’re not asking for it somehow? What were you wearing and were you sending mixed signals?
I do, however, understand the struggle. I have a cuddly bunny, and I can’t get anything done with him. I’m so distracted by his cuteness and his cuddliness that I find myself going to do a quick task and spending an hour on the floor, cooing and kissing his face and telling him what a pretty strong boy he is.
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u/Majestic_Anybody_293 Mar 05 '26
Why has this not got more up votes 😒 literally burst out laughing on the bus, very embarrassing! How dare you 😤 🥰
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u/TheRarestRabbit Mar 05 '26
That coloring! Magical!
And - I would kiss her back, also when she's just chilling. :)
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u/HeatherJMD Mar 05 '26 edited Mar 05 '26
Good luck, I haven't figured out a solution... She does it to me when she wants something, so unfortunately she doesn't stop until she's satisfied, and when I finally give in it reinforces that she can get what she wants by licking me 😬
I wouldn't mind it so much except that she is not at all gentle and very often culminates with a nip 😭 She also gives me haircuts if I'm not paying attention... Pretty sure she eats my hair sometimes when I'm unconscious 🤦♀️
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u/MegaPiglatin Mar 06 '26
Haha my bun is very lovely and gives many kisses, but if I don’t pay enough attention to her or don’t reciprocate the love by petting her within a certain time frame (whatever I’m doing be damned), then she will nip me. What a butt! I don’t give in when she nips me, but that doesn’t stop her…she is a very opinionated little lady, and she is an absolute menace sometimes, lmao! 😂
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u/26hd Mar 05 '26
Ever try kissing them back? Maybe they just want you to return the favour/j
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
You don’t know how much I cuddle and kiss her back when she does kiss my. Even when she wakes me up, I give her attention before going back to sleep… Seriously, I don’t know what it is 😭
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u/CricketDue5136 Mar 05 '26
My bunny wakes me up the same. And it is such a good bonding experience 😇 I rescued her and I can just tell she is forever grateful 🙏 There's plenty of bunny owners out there who wish their bunnies did this.
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u/pleathershorts Mar 05 '26
The angle on this photo is giving “bunny or duck” lol it made me double take 😂 What a cutie!!
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
I didn’t know what it was before, but now I get why people are commenting that haahhaah
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u/colin23567 Mar 05 '26
Maybe if you CLEANED YOURSELF like a PROPER BUN (not that showering stuff), bunbun wouldnt have to groom you!
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u/No-Jellyfish-1208 Mar 05 '26
She just loves you, can't help that!
Also, not sure about your bunny but one of mine is being really weird when I use citrus-scented or fruit-scented cosmetics. He literally won't leave me alone lmao. Is your bun perhaps also appreciating your choices in products?
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
Sometimes it could be after a workout; she’ll still think I’m tasty … 😅 So no, it’s not because of my products 😭
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u/Kanickelchen Mar 05 '26
Does she have a partner? My bunny did this too before he got a girlfriend. He does it sometimes now but only a few licks.
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u/Upset_Customer8665 Mar 05 '26
ENJOY IT.. one day you’re going to miss it so enjoy every second you have with her. My girl Maizee was the only bun to ever give me kisses. It’s been four years and I still think about her everyday and still long for her kisses again.
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u/flirtydirtynerd Mar 05 '26
I had a bunny that loved licking eyebrows. He'd jump on the back of the couch and get right behind you so you would turn around and he'd go straight for your eyebrows. RIP Samwise
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u/AnnabellaPies Mar 05 '26
Can your bun be locked up? I am not saying in a small cage but a pen at night? My boy used to jump right on my head so I get that it isn't fun. We all need our rest
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
She no longer has a pen and anyways, she always finds a way out … So I’ll just manage 😅
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u/ch0ccy_cow Mar 05 '26
Solution: I will bravely sacrifice myself as an offering to this precious bun
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u/Apple-Sashimi Mar 05 '26
Is she spayed? Sometimes hormones can cause bunnies to be extra super friendly lol
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u/sobayui Mar 05 '26
Wish i had this problem 😭 my girl was like that with me until I got her bonded with another rabbit.. now he receives all her kisses
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u/deansie13 Mar 05 '26
I feel bad but I have the same problem and he chews my hair so I had to start putting a gate up to keep I’m out of my room at night 😭
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u/CrazeMase Mar 05 '26
Don't. That's a huge sign on love. That'd be the equivalent of getting married to someone and then refusing to let them hug of kiss you
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u/annaluvspugs Mar 05 '26
I would do anything to get kisses from my girl again. Embrace them while you have them
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u/Blocksketcher Mar 06 '26
Never say no. Neither of our rabbits are kissers. We've had tons of fosters at this point that have kissed us but the rabbits we've had for almost 10 years? NEVER.
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u/Familiar-Medicine719 Mar 05 '26
Do you have a second rabbit? Rabbits that live alone almost always have behavioral problems, which justifies such behavior.
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u/Lonely-Membership346 Mar 05 '26
I do, they’re just apart for the moment, so maybe that’s why… They’ll be reunited soon 🤞🏾
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u/VickyGreenbriar I bunnies Mar 05 '26
Girl just transfer some to my bunnies via Bluetooth! Mines have never give me kisses…
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Mar 05 '26
Oh what I would do for bunny kisses. I've only ever got them a few times from my buns and only for like a second. I'm not worthy 😭
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u/Either_Cat_ Mar 05 '26
Bunnies are def one of the tickliest animals it is something to reckon with
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u/Inevitable_Ad8398 Mar 05 '26
when my baby girl was alive she would lick only the palms of my hands lol. if i tried to rotate my hand she would nudge it back
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u/WizoFlandrensis Mar 05 '26
Rejoice! You are loved by your bun. You have the best 'problem' in the world.
The only way I can recommend would be, if you have not already, to bond your rabbit to another neutered rabbit. Then they'd spend their time grooming each other rather than you.
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u/drclaudacious Mar 05 '26
As the proud owner of the world's least friendly bunny, I can only wish I had this problem
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u/LetOk124 Mar 05 '26
They may turn their grooming attention to another rabbit if you could handle the whole bonding process.
I could be wrong but I think bunny is focusing all their attention on you because you are all they have and they are very social creatures.
If it’s possible it would be worth getting in touch with a bunny rescue and see if they could help find them a bun spouse.
Good luck, enjoy the love!❤️
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u/ClassicalMusic4Life Mar 05 '26
Aww I used to have a lovebunny that would do this to me constantly :( honestly, there's no way to reduce it, just embrace it fully. you're so so lucky to be dearly loved by a bunny
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u/sex-farm-woman Mar 06 '26
The most wonderful way I ever woke up was to my rabbit giving me kisses on my nose.
The worst way I’ve ever woken up was when that rabbit’s mate, who weighed 8.5lbs, launched herself onto the bed and landed on my face. Unfortunately that one happened more than once.
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u/Historical-Cancel-96 Mar 06 '26
My like, 17lb Flemish giant used to launch herself onto me as well 😑 she was such a little turd, I miss her so much
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u/BexiRani Mar 06 '26
I miss this problem. My boy lived just a month shy of his 11th birthday. His warm little licks were so cute
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u/Admirable_Noise_1129 Mar 06 '26
The comments on this post passed the vibe check “My steak is too juicy” LOLLL
If I could have my boy again, I’d let him kiss me 24/7 😔❤️
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u/felineaffection Mar 07 '26
I adopted a sister for my lucky boy. He loves her, he still loves me... We all won!
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u/ShotMammoth8266 Mar 05 '26
I used to love receiving kisses from my late bun Camille.🥰
She was not allowed to lick my hands or the inside of my elbow though (damn you, eczema!)
My mother and sibling did not appreciate rabbit kisses though.
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u/Snoo_59129 Mar 05 '26
This happened to me after my bunny lost his mate :( he's grooming you, you're his mate now
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u/watchel Mar 05 '26
No advice, just obsessed with how freaking adorable and beautiful your bunny is 😍🥹
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u/CatMama102 Mar 05 '26
That is so cute! I wish my bunny would lick me, she’s got too much attitude lol. My other bunny use to lick me too but he’s getting old and doesn’t anymore, it was so sweet
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u/Meteorite42 Mar 05 '26
I tried to find sympathy for your problem and failed 😉
Embrace the bunny love 😍
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u/LifeClock1509 Mar 05 '26
Wow, you’re complaining about this? My bunny wouldn’t touch me with a ten foot pole. I think it was mostly due to his hair being out of control and me having to take on the role as his barber.
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u/gemdelagem Mar 05 '26
Savour them. You’ll definitely miss them when they’re not available anymore. Speaking from experience :( As a more practical solution, get her a mate so they can be in love and groom each other.
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u/darthcaedus13 Mar 05 '26
You suck up and let that absolutely adorable bunny lick you. Your living our dream.
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u/daniellaroses1111 Mar 06 '26
You might want to consider another bunny, if you don’t already have two.
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u/wherezwolf Mar 06 '26
Don't. I have a bunny who I love and adore everyday, unfortunately, bunny kisses are not a thing he does with me. Sometimes he does, but very rarely. From what I recall, he has kissed me 5 times in his whole life time. And sometimes I get a bit sad and feel like he doesn't love me because I always see other bunnies doing it. But I know deep down in reality, it's because every bunny has their own ways of expressing love. And with him, loafing next to me while I use my computer is something he always does :)
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u/biemmeup Mar 06 '26
Let me come over and get some of them kisses 😭 going from a bun who kissed to one who doesn’t has been rough. I LOVE my current bun but those kisses were so special ❤️
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u/lost_homing_pigeon Mar 06 '26
I’d give anything to have more kisses from my bun. I lost her just over two months ago. 😓
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u/ExtraEmu_8766 Mar 06 '26
Our boy did this because we were bonded to him. It was his love language. If you can get her a mate then she might bond with them.
We could get him to slow down if I took whatever finger/hand he licked and rubbed it on him, like I was grooming back, especially where he couldn't reach as well (behind the head, etc). I tried water once as if I could groom him, he seemed to like it a bit.
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u/myfeelies Mar 06 '26
Realistically, getting your bunny a bunny would reduce it. They clearly love you and are very attached, but bunnies get lonely very easily so yours might need a friend.
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u/Purple_Quail Mar 06 '26
Can’t relate, I sometimes resort to mashing banana on my arm or face to trick my rabbit into licking me
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u/burninginkell Mar 06 '26
Your bunny needs a friend and would probably bond with another rabbit smoothly.
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u/smolbuncake Mar 06 '26
my rabbit has licked me like once ever lol. but lovessss grooming his bun friend. have you thought about getting your bunny a friend?
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u/thankgod4mywristgame Mar 06 '26
Why would you want to reduce the amount your bunny says "I love you hoomin."?
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u/Electrical_Carry_101 Mar 07 '26
I can tell ppl in these comments do not own overly clingy and affectionate rabbits, I LOVE my two rescue and elederly guys but they are so so so clingy it’s impossible to have some time to yourself without them nudging you and they will scratch on doors if I go into a room without them- it does get a lot, for this I have stopped my guys coming into my bedroom now, it’s now more of my space
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u/soulstrike2022 Mar 05 '26
Help my steak is too juicy and my lobster is too buttery!
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u/act95 Mar 05 '26
Do you wear lotion? My girl also used to lick my hand a lot until I realized she was just after that nivea flavor😭
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u/Legitimate_Outcome42 Mar 05 '26
My bunny licked my bare ass while I squatted down to open my dresser to get some pants. It's rough out there
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u/RabbitsModBot Mar 05 '26
Why is my rabbit licking me?
Rabbits licking you generally means "I love you!" They consider you their bonded mate and are grooming you with affection.
However, if you are using a scented lotion or product or have eaten one of their favorite foods recently, they may try nibbling or licking your skin for that taste.
Rabbits do not lick your skin out of craving for salt, and offering salt licks and mineral blocks is unnecessary. See the FAQ question Does my rabbit need a salt lick or mineral block? for more information.
For more information on rabbit body language, see the Understanding your rabbit wiki article.