Rabbits are known with a reputation of being nice, silent pets to live with. However, is there a reality to it? And if so, what are the scenarios that these animals create noises? Do they also make noises just like other animals? How do you manage these weird and rare sounds?
Rabbits were known to be silent creatures, and there is also no lies with a statement that they do not make loud noises that could disturb the neighborhood. In most cases, rabbits converse with each other thru muted sounds and body gestures. The huge variety of sounds that these animals can do may astonish you. However, through the times that you are spending with your rabbit, you will eventually learn how they converse with you verbally.
Rabbits Sounds and Their Meaning
Another significant element to consider rabbit sounds is what they can indicate. Even though the sounds made by rabbits are comparably quiet and peculiar, rabbits do create sounds, specifically, if they are familiar in being captive and have never experienced living near to a probable predator.
Rabbits create various sounds depending on their mood. This means that they typically create unique sounds when happy and different sounds when unhappy. Here is a list of rabbit sounds you may have not known yet simply because a lot of them are done at a low level:
Happy Sounds:
Let us begin with something positive – your rabbit will sometimes create sounds because they are in a good mood and happy. If you notice a rabbit that is leaping, running, and fluttering over into their sides, that would commonly indicate that the rabbit is executing the happy dance. Other than that, rabbits also do several manifestations to show their contentment and happiness. They make several sounds to display these emotions:
- Clucking – Rabbit clucking does not simulate to the clucking sounds made by the chicken – rabbit’s clucking is done at a very low level. Rabbits making clucking sound could mean that they are happy and contented with what they are biting on. Most frequently, this sound may occur when the rabbits are eating and could mean that they are greatly pleased with their diet. This implies that you can utilize this sound to indicate what their perfect favored treats are.
- Purring – Rabbit purring is so much similar to a cat purring. The purring sound coming from rabbits could mean that they are both satisfied and happy. Cats create a purring sound through their throat. Rabbits, on the other hand, make purring sound by slightly scraping the teeth together. You would hear a very mild and soft sound. If you hear your pet rabbit making this kind of sound, it could mean that you are doing the right thing, and thus, you should be encouraged to continue with your good works.
- Humming – Although all rabbits are making humming sounds occasionally, many rabbit owners relate it with an invariable buck pursuing his lady love. All rabbits would do humming if they are in a great mood; however, generally, humming is made by the male rabbits as they attempt to sway a female rabbit. The humming sound is a nice-sounding, flirtatious noise that breeders are often specifically grateful to hear.
Unhappy Sounds:
Certain noises, like screaming, are very discernible indications of apprehension or pain. You will only hear a rabbit screaming if it is frightening, stressed, or anxious. It would be great if you do not get to hear the screaming of a rabbit because it can be creepily horrifying. Other sounds made by rabbits to manifest their fear, pain, or anger are the following:
- Growling – Although you may relate growling with much bigger animals, rabbits may, and can, growl if they are feeling defensive and angry. It may come together with snorting, and if you hear to any of these sounds, they are probably going to plunge at you to nibble you, or someone else. If the pet senses danger, even by your presence, they will have no hesitation lunging and growling. If you are cautious and attentive enough, you must try to eliminate the anticipated threat from the habitat the soonest time possible for their safety.
- Whimpering or whining – An obvious indication that your rabbit is sad or not in a good mood is whimpering or whining. Rabbits will whimper or whine if they are not in the mood of being handled. You may get to hear this sound coming from a pregnant doe that has been placed in an enclosure together with another rabbit, particularly a buck. The whimpering sound made by a rabbit is an expression of disapproval to the habitat or surroundings in which they see themselves. This may include an undesired mate in the cage or in the event of a pregnant doe, an indication that they have no liking with the advances of the buck. If your rabbit whimpers right in your arms, gently put it down.
- Thumping or foot-stomping – If rabbits would heavily trample they back feet, it normally indicates that they are scared and nervous. It may imply that the rabbit picks up a weird sound and perceives that a predator is on its way. The stomping of the feet would inform everyone near the vicinity that something not good is approaching. This act is very typical among free-wandering rabbits who intend to let others know about the probable attack.
- Teeth grinding – Although it is not rigidly a vocalization, teeth grinding is a common sound made by a rabbit. The sound made by a rabbit as it grinds its teeth is almost explicit. It is difficult to mix it up with purring even though it is done in the same approach. If you notice your pet rabbit grinding its teeth, you should immediately attend to it because it could mean that it is suffering from great pain and, thus, require medical assistance.
- Screaming – Considering that rabbits are inclined to an environment with great threat or danger, it would be understandable that they will demonstrate more negative noises that the positive. When you hear a rabbit screaming, you will surely sense a chill tracing down your spine for two things.
First, it seems bizarrely close to a frightened child. Next, you will only hear your rabbit scream if a predator is running after it or if it is dying. Some rabbits do not scream; however, many will scream at least once in their lifetime. If you hear your rabbit scream, provide quick comfort, and be in close monitoring for a few hours.
Inspect for any injuries or risks which may have aggravated the outbreak. If you notice your rabbit still appears frightened even after a few hours after the screaming, or exhibits any indications of pain, seek the assistance of a veterinarian. Do not waste time if you believe that your pain is suffering from pain.
There is never a false indication once a rabbit screams. The screaming of the rabbit is an indication of genuine stress and fear; hence, act cautiously but immediately, as they can be in real, immediate threat.
- Hissing/Growling/Grunting – When you hear your rabbit hissing or growling or grunting, this could mean that your pet is threatened and is demonstrating objection. These sounds made by a rabbit are precisely the way you perceive them to be. Hissing/growling/grunting is done to avert other rabbits.
During these times, it would be better if you give some time to your rabbit and let it spend time by itself. Similar to the snakes, the hissing of the rabbit is an averting noise that is particularly used once a rabbit feels threatened by another rabbit.
Conclusion
Animals are lovable, sweet, and captivating companions. However, some factors can make them inconvenient to raise- they can be smelly or noisy.
When deciding to raise a pet rabbit, the first thing that you should know is that once you start to create loud sounds, it would be normally because of intense fear or distress – thus, a loud screech is not something you would like to listen to. Generally, these little creatures assert themselves through a variety of actions and gestures like kicking, thumping, and jumping.
However, they also have a collection of sounds that take a role in their conversation with other rabbits. As responsible rabbit keepers, you have to carefully listen to the sounds made by your pet and bear in mind that their body gesture is also crucial. You want to learn more about the behavior of your pet if you want to provide it the best care and nourishment.
Although it is an extra factor that you know the basics of feeding and housing, it can even do better if you learn to understand your pet by knowing and understanding the meaning behind the sounds and noises that they create. It may time some time to completely familiarize your pet, but through time, you will eventually grasp the attitude of your pet.
