Hormones

    Hormones are a bit ambiguous to most people but not to bunnies. Bunnies have some of the same hormones as people. What are hormones and what is their purpose? The Endocrine System is a the way our bodies regulate functions. It uses the secretion of hormones to control and coordinate metabolism, moods, energy, growth, and reactions to stressors, injury (mental and physical), and our environment. Hormones are excreted through glands. Pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, kidney, parathyroid, thyroid, hypothalamus, and thymus are all actively working in our bodies. Bunnies have less complex versions of most of these glands. Each glandular secretion, hormone, has a scent attached to it that humans cannot detect but bunnies can. 
      When bunnies are in bonding sessions, their bodies may experience high levels of cortisol, a hormone responsible for the flight-or-fight response. This hormone attempts to keep blood pressure levels and blood glucose levels consistent. Under stress, blood pressure an heart rate increases. Bunnies equate stress and subsequent cortisol level spikes with fear. Bunnies become fearful when they perceive a threat to their wellbeing. During times of perceived fear, they may have difficulty determining the source of the threat. They may unreasonably determine it to be the other bunny in the bonding session, triggering a fight reflex which humans observe as lunges, grunts, circling, and chasing. 
        Serotonin is responsible for maturation of and optimal maintenance of rabbit brains. As the hub of activity for their entire body, the brain controls every action and feeling. Neurotransmitters like serotonin are what they rely on to maintain their delicate internal system health. Research has linked out-of-balance serotonin levels with head tilt and other neurological issues. During bonding, keeping bunnies calm and assured of safety as well as providing ample hay is key to controlling their healthy state of mind. 
         Dopamine is a hormone responsible for bunnies feeling safe in fear-free environments, happy, often expressed with binkies, purrs, and zoomies, and content, including eliminating the need to search for food, water, and shelter. The secretions of dopamine in bunnies who feel safe, loved, and cared for has allowed their domestication. No longer fearful of lack of survival resources or from imminent danger from predators and environmental stressors, bunnies easily morphed into house living. 
          During bonding, continual gentle coaching and reassurance of safety and comfort regulates the hormones that manage discomfort, minimalizing risks from flight-or-fight responses. Practicing stress-free bonding is a healthy way to help bunnies form friendships that are solid and lasting.