Why does it lick?

Question
Couple of the 5 weeks old would lick my finger when I was petting them.  Are they really happy or are they doing it for the salt.  One of them also took a big dump while licking me.

Answer
Dear Tom,

When a rabbit licks you, it's a sign of affection--not a desire for salt.  So you should feel very loved.

Do you mean that the bunny pooped on you while you were holding her, or urinated?  Either one could mean that the bunny is marking you as his/her property--or that this is just a baby who needs to be litterbox trained:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/training.html

Note that a 5 week old rabbit is too young to be weaned.  Be on the lookout for *any* sign of runny stool:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

and if you see it, get the bunny to a good rabbit vet immediately.  It could be life-threatening.

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana