How good would it be if humans could talk to their pets? You can easily understand them and know whether they are happy or sad. Unfortunately, you and rabbits don’t use the same language.
But you see, your pet communicates with you daily- you just have to observe their body language and the different sounds they make.
Although rabbits were known to be silent creatures, there is also no lie in the statement that they do not make loud noises that could disturb the neighborhood. According to Oxbow Animal Health, these animals are talkative.
However, like any other species, rabbits differ from one another. Some of them were shy, and some were playful. But as a general rule, you must understand everything about them. That way, it’s easier to decipher if your rabbit is happy, sad, or distressed.
Rabbits create various sounds depending on their mood. You can hear them create unique sounds when they feel satisfied or unhappy. To guide you better, we compile 8 sounds your rabbit can make.
Happy Sounds That Rabbit Makes
Rabbits make a sound when they are happy. Even if the noise sounds bizarre to humans, you must identify them to know they are satisfied. In addition, they will exhibit behavior like wagging tails and gazing at you directly, indicating that they want to show their affection to you. Rabbits do several manifestations to show their contentment and happiness. There are also several reasons why rabbit is happy:
- Rabbit is eating their favorite meal or treats. You see, rabbits’ loves eating. They are satisfied when chewing because their dental function is designed to do that.
- Rabbit is playing outside. Unlike the belief that rabbits can survive by eating and sleeping, playing outside is part of rabbit care. That is why when you provide them with this activity daily, most likely, they will produce a clucking sound.
- Rabbit is playing with their owner. Bonding is important in the relationship between humans and animals. It creates trust and connection. Moreover, the National Institute of Health says both physical interactions produce a good hormone for the owner and pet.
Here are the happy sounds that the rabbit makes:
1. Clucking
Rabbit clucking is not similar to chicken clucking. In fact, it is produced more in low volume. The Pet Plan article also added that it is similar to hiccup sounds.
When you hear your pet clucking, they are happy and content. There are a lot of reasons why your rabbit becomes happy. It is also part of your responsibility to ensure they feel that way.
2. Purring
Purring in rabbits is similar to a cat purring. However, cats do this through their throat, while rabbits purr by brushing or scraping their teeth together.
Your pet often produces this sound if they are satisfied with its surroundings. For example, you show affection to them by patting their head and calling their name. The rabbit will respond by making a purring sound.
But remember, some rabbits do not like to be touched or picked up. Observe your pet care if they are in the mood for affection or not to avoid injuries from their bite.
3. Humming
Humming sounds are often heard in rabbits when they are in a good mood. But it is also associated with male rabbits trying to sway a female rabbit.
According to Arizona State University, animal worlds are interesting when it comes to mating season. Some of them make a sound to get the attention of their partner. This also applies commonly to unneutered male rabbits. The humming sound is described as a nice-sounding, flirtatious noise.
Unhappy Sounds That Rabbit Makes
If rabbits make a sound when they are happy, it’s the same when they feel lonely or sad. There are different sounds that your pet will produce, indicating that something makes them uncomfortable.
It’s also important to differentiate them from one another because the rabbit occasionally makes noise due to an underlying disease. If so, visit your trusted veterinarian immediately for possible treatment
Here is the list of unhappy or unsatisfied sounds your rabbit can make.
1. Whimpering or whining
An obvious indication that your rabbit is sad or not in a good mood is whimpering or whining. They produced it at a low volume and sounded in pain. If you hear this from your pet, check their body thoroughly. The rabbit will often whimper if there is an injury in their body that causes them pain.
The whimpering sound can also mean your rabbit’s disapproval of the habitat or surroundings they are in at the moment. For example, a new companion, undesired male mate, or messed up shelter.
2. Thumping
If your rabbit heavily thumps their back feet, it indicates they are scared or distressed. One reason for that is sensing a predator nearby. According to the Anti-Cruelty Society, creating a thumping sound lets the other group members know about the danger coming.
Rabbits are prey animals, so they are in constant danger from wild attacks. This is also the reason why they develop to make odd sounds and behavior to help them survive in the wild.
3. Teeth Grinding
The rabbit will grind their teeth when they feel uncomfortable. It can mean they are suffering from an injury or feel sick. As an owner, you must know the sign that your pet is suffering from an illness to prevent it from further risks.
Remember, your pet is more sensitive than other animals. They have a sensitive digestive system, eye vision, and other body functions. This is also the root cause why they are prone to different complications and illnesses like snuffles and parasitic infestation. You can identify your pet grinding its teeth if you see and hear its upper and lower teeth brushing one another. If so, bring them to their doctor as soon as possible because they might require medical attention.
Angry Sounds That Rabbit Makes
1. Growling or Hissing
Rabbits are talkative in their own way. That is why they also make a sound when they get angry. One of the sounds that you can hear from them is growling or hissing. This noise is also common to other pet animals, like dogs and cats, as a warning sign.
Your rabbit will produce a low growl if they sense danger. They can also growl at their mate if it upsets them. Note that rabbits can start a fight with their mate. This typically happens to assert dominance over other rabbits. When they growl in low volume, other species should interpret it as a warning to back out because if they don’t, the rabbit will not hesitate to attack.
2. Scream
A rabbit’s scream is a sign that something is worrying your rabbit. Sometimes, it can even mean that your pet is experiencing some discomfort that you should immediately look at because it can be a more serious condition than you thought.
Some would even say that screaming indicates fear and that it is some sort of psychological distress. Although it’s quite funny to see a rabbit screaming, you should attend to them right away and find the cause of why they start making that sound.
Read More:Rabbits Facts: The Common Question About Your Rabbits
Key Takeaways
- Rabbits communicate with you daily in their own ways. They will show it through body behaviors or make a sound to tell you whether they are happy, sad, or angry.
- Every owner must understand how to communicate with rabbits to help them, especially if it concerns their pet’s health and wellness.
- Rabbits are happy because of these reasons; they eat their favorite meal, they play outside, and they bond with their owners.
- Happy Sounds that Rabbit Makes: Clucking, Purring, and Humming.
- Unhappy Sounds that Rabbit Makes: Whimpering or whining, Thumping, and Teeth Grinding
- Angry Sounds that Rabbit Makes: Growling or Hissing and Screaming.
