Rabbits have two scent glands that they use to mark objects. One, under the tongue, releases its scent (pheromones)-not detectable to humans-through several pores located beneath the chin. The other gland is near the anus. Rabbits also spray urine to mark objects and areas.
1. Rubbing objects with the chin:
This is the rabbit’s way of designating its territory and announcing to all other members of its species “I live here. This belongs to me!” Wild rabbits mark rocks, twigs, landmarks, and burrow entries and exits. Rabbits kept as household pets will mark table and chair legs and their cage, food dish, and sleeping house. A rabbit feels safe and at home in surroundings it has marked. Territories that are unmarked or marked by other rabbits, however, make the animal extremely unsure. Dominant bucks and does do the most marking.
2. Marking with the anus:
With their anal gland, rabbits can voluntarily add a secretion to their droppings and thus leave chemical nameplates and calling cards. Scientists have found that rabbits, within their colony, not only recognize each other by their common familiar scent, but also “read” droppings to find out where a rabbit comes from, whether it is male or female, and how old it is. However, wild rabbits can recognize only a limited number of their kind in this way.
3. Urine Spraying:
Bucks spray with urine to express ownership and to mark territory. Both males and females also spray urine when frightened or as a defensive gesture.
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