The answer is that it can mean a few different things, but in many cases, licking is a positive sign. Rabbits groom one another as a natural part of their social lives. In a group, you’ll often see rabbits sitting together and carefully cleaning each other’s faces, ears and fur.

It doesn’t just help keep their coats clean.

It also strengthens social bonds between them.

So when your rabbit licks you, they may be treating you as part of their social circle.

In their own little rabbit language, they may be sayin’ – you’re part of the family.

Rabbits are prey animals.

In the wild, it’s rarely a good idea to relax around someone you don’t trust. That’s why grooming is often a sign that a rabbit feels safe in your company. It doesn’t mean every lick is a declaration of love, but it’s very common among rabbits that feel comfortable and relaxed around their humans.

Of course, there’s also a less romantic explanation.

Your hands may smell like:

Apple
Carrot
Herbs
Hay
Animal feed
Sweat or the natural salts on your skin

Rabbits use their noses to explore the world and sometimes a few test licks are simply part of a closer investigation.

On many farms and homesteads, rabbits also become part of a larger cycle.

They eat grass, hay, herbs and garden plants.

They produce manure that can be used in the garden.

For some families, they also become part of a long term self reliant lifestyle through breeding or meat production. But regardless of why the rabbits are there, it all begins in the same place.

With respect for the animal and a commitment to givin’ it a good life.

Many rabbit owners recognize this one.

First come a few friendly licks.

Then a small gentle nibble.

Most of the time, it isn’t aggression.

When rabbits groom each other, they also use their teeth very carefully to work through the fur. Sometimes they direct that same behavior toward us.

Your rabbit may honestly think they’re helping with your grooming routine. Unfortunately, our skin isn’t nearly as well suited for that treatment as rabbit fur is.

Just like people, rabbits have different personalities. Some are very social and love showing affection through licking and closeness. Others express trust in different ways.

Maybe by:

Lying beside you
Following you around
Falling asleep nearby
Coming over when you call

A rabbit that doesn’t lick you isn’t necessarily any less attached to you. It’s easy to wish our animals could tell us exactly what’s on their minds.

But maybe that’s part of what makes ’em so fascinatin’.

We learn their language a little at a time.

A thump on the ground.

A curious sniff.

A relaxed afternoon in the evening sun.

Or a few gentle licks on your hand.

Maybe it’s about salt.

Maybe it’s curiosity.

And maybe, every now and then, it’s your rabbit’s way of saying – you seem alright, I reckon you can stay in the group. ❤️

Fredrik