Due to their quiet nature and using body language to communicate, many people mistake rabbits as mute animals. But they make a lot of sounds, including a sigh, some purrs, and occasionally honking, etc.
Do rabbits make noise? They will make sounds depending on their moods and physical condition. Understanding why they make these noises can help you to understand your bunny a lot better.
Sounds of happiness
- Your bunny may make soft purring sounds to express happiness and contentment, and they usually make the sound with their teeth rubbing.
- Male rabbits or bucks make a low humming sound to attract a female during mating.
- Rabbits also make a clucking sound, and it will make this sound on a low volume if they eat something they like or are full after a meal. Some rabbits also make clicking sounds while they nibble on their treats.
Sounds of annoyance and unhappiness
- Being expressive animals, rabbits can also become stressed or unhappy if they do not get a safe and secure environment. Here are a few sounds that can help you to understand the unhappiness of your bunny.
- If annoyed, a rabbit will snort to express its detest. It can happen if you remove its toys or disturb them during their playtime.
- Rabbits also make hissing sounds. It is a way to scare other rabbits. If a rabbit seems threatened by another rabbit or does not like its presence, it will hiss at the latter to express its unhappiness. Here hissing is also used as a warning sound.
Sounds a rabbit make if it is scared or in danger
- If your bunny is threatened or feels in danger, it will resort to growling as a way to warn the object they deem a threat. Often the low growl is followed by a lunge and a bite, and these growls are often more audible.
- A rabbit may make a thumping sound if they are afraid and nervous. They use their hind feet to make the thumping sound.
Rabbits usually make this sound if they hear an unfamiliar sound and deem it a threat from a predator or attacker. They use the thumping sound to make everyone in the vicinity alert and out of the upcoming danger.
Free-roaming pet rabbits and wild rabbits usually make this sound to indicate danger. On the other hand, pet rabbits that live inside a cage or do not roam freely outdoors may only make a thumping sound if they are afraid.
- Rabbits make whimpering sounds if they do not want to be present in an environment that is not suitable for them. For example, they will make it to escape over handling. On the other hand, a pregnant doe (female) will make whimpering sounds if placed in a cage with a make rabbit.
- If your rabbit is suffering from serious pain, it will grind its teeth together. But, it is distinct from purring as it is more audible and is coupled with physical discomfort.
Final Words
A rabbit often uses sounds besides its famous body language to express anger, sadness, or happiness. You can check out these sounds and their body language to find what they feel at a particular movement.
