what the heck is a binky

Kyrre:

That video is SOOOO cute! What a gorgeous girl Tussi is!

Thanks for sharing.

Heather
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

Not to get all teacher-ish on you all, but the binky is actually a
predation-avoidance tactic. Wild buns use the jump and change direction
to confuse and startle any animal chasing them. They can actually turn
over 90 degrees in the air, thereby doing a zig or zag that loses or
frustrates the predator.

All buns practice this behaviour from the time they first venture out into
the world. OUR bunnies are practicing for predators that never arrive.
They do seem to enjoy it, much like human children enjoy tag, hide and
seek, and other predator/prey "run and scream" games.

The term "binky" actually comes from a Scottish word (which escapes me now
-- it may actually just be "bink") which means to leap straight up into
the air. There is a similar word, "pronk" that describes a stiff-legged
hopping display that antelopes and goats do (mostly during mating season,
but sometimes to confuse predators).

Ok. That's enough bio for one night. Off to watch "Rome."

Heather
Clover ("Mom, you are really boring with all this fact stuff.")
and TNSEO ("For once, Clover, we agree."
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

If you don't mind my asking, where does the name Phooka come from? Thanks.

Sarah

"StealthBunny" wrote in message
>I also call it the Happy Bunny Dance. There's just too much happiness
>inside that bunny to sit still! At eleven pounds, The Phooka does some
>pretty spectacular ones! I've seen him go about two feet in the air!
>
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

WaHOO, Christine!

You going into early childhood ed, or psych?

Heather
Biologist, and incurable nosey Nelly
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

I have actually seen Jump do a 360.

heatherlouwho wrote:
> They can actually turn
> over 90 degrees in the air, thereby doing a zig or zag that loses or
> frustrates the predator.

--
8-) Professor :-P Merlin & ;-) The Jump
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

Thanks for posting that, Mickey! I'd lost the website address when my HD
crashed last year. It's a great site, BTW! Soooooo cute. And
informative!

Heather
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

I doubt it not, Professor!

My guys tend to be less athletic, but I often get the 180's. I'm just not
sure a 180 or 360 would be useful to a wild bun avoiding, say, a fox or
wolf....

Heather
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

The Phooka's relationship with Jazzi is cool!

StealthBunny wrote:
> I've seen The Phooka do 360s, too... especially after Jazzi pats his nose.
> He really likes her pattings, unless he's busy eating or trying to sleep. I
> always think he's saying "She LIKES me!" when he dances after a nose
> patting.
>

--
8-) Professor :-P Merlin & ;-) The Jump
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

Very Scary!

StealthBunny wrote:

> That said.... imagine an 11-lb rabbit doing 360 binkies.... ;)
>

--
8-) Professor :-P Merlin & ;-) The Jump
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

It was just a spring of joy! No foxes here. :)

heatherlouwho wrote:
> I doubt it not, Professor!
>
> My guys tend to be less athletic, but I often get the 180's. I'm just not
> sure a 180 or 360 would be useful to a wild bun avoiding, say, a fox or
> wolf....
>
> Heather
>

--
8-) Professor :-P Merlin & ;-) The Jump
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky 

Boy, Christine! You are a BRAVE soul! I studied to be a teacher. I'm
licensed (ok -- EXPIRED license) in Wisconsin to teach K-12 Biology and
Life Sciences. Realized (when I did my student teaching -- in the second
semester of my senior year) that I couldn't cope with the kids, and went
back to school to hide for a couple of years. Now I live on the East
Coast , and fly a desk for the Feds.

You have my respect and best wishes.

Heather
 >> Stay informed about: what the heck is a binky