Rabbits are primarily non-verbal and use body language as their primary means of communication, yet they make a surprising amount of noises.
Honk
This can best be described as a small breath of air and it sounds a bit like a squeaky door. The rabbit will run quickly, honking at the same time as its jumps. Most commonly done by non-neutered males as a sign of courtship, usually accompanied by a circular motion of their feet or another rabbit. Females can also make this sound while running and males can continue honking even after spaying.
Grunting
This noise is much like a honk, but it is usually made when the rabbit rolls on its side happily (the “bunnyflop”) or when you pick it up and squeeze it too tightly around the belly.
Snarl
This sounds a bit like a speeding car and is usually done by a woman who has not been sterilized defending her turf. Often times the rabbit will pounce on you with its front legs while growling. This disappears or is greatly reduced after sterilization. Rabbits can also growl when scared or in pain.
Grinding / purring teeth
A gentle grinding of teeth is a treat, for example when the rabbit is settling in for a nap on a full stomach or when you are petting your rabbit in a way that he enjoys. The jaws of the rabbit move slightly from side to side and the rest of the rabbit’s body language is calm, that is, ears in a relaxed position, eyes half closed.
Loud gnashing of teeth
This is a sign of pain and the rabbit will usually show other symptoms, such as an unwillingness to move and a lack of appetite. Consult your vet as soon as possible.
Snorting / sneezing
When faced with an offensive odor, rabbits will often snort or exhale rapidly through their noses, making a “ffnuff” noise. A rabbit that sneezes frequently and has a runny nose is sick and needs to see a vet as soon as possible.
Tummy rumbling
Okay, so the rabbit is not consciously making this noise, but it is very helpful as an owner to know what your rabbit’s stomach should sound like. Put your head against your rabbit’s side and listen: a healthy stomach must be ticking, gurgling, and rumbling all the time. If you can’t hear anything and the rabbit hasn’t been eating there is a risk of intestinal stasis, so see a vet right away.
Huge
Rabbits hit the ground with a hind leg to warn other rabbits of danger. Strong vibrations pass through the ground even if the other rabbits cannot hear the noise. Non-neutered males also use blows as a signal of wanting to mate. Household rabbits can also strike as a sign of annoyance or disgust, for example if the TV is making too much noise or the vacuum cleaner gets too close to them.
Yelling / yelling
Hopefully you never hear this sound. Rabbits scream when they are in the claws of a predator and they are terrified. Rabbits can also scream when they are in extreme pain, for example when they are suffering from VHD (viral hemorrhagic disease), shortly before death occurs.
Copyright 2011 Hannah Davis / Bunnyhugga. All rights reserved.
