Generally, we are not familiar with rabbit sounds. It’s because rabbits do not shake us with loud noises. We often wonder whether rabbits have vocal cords. Rabbits often communicate with us through their actions. But, no, even rabbits make sounds. You will hear it when you have a good time with them.
Rabbit is a model for quiet noises. In deep analysis, it’s found that They produce various squeaking, screaming sounds. But those sounds are very soft, and you will only hear if you lend your ear to those sounds. If they get their protein, albumin level decreased, or in pain, they produce noises.
You may have lots of questions; if you want to know many facts, information related to rabbit sound, methods to identify those sounds, cause of the sound, the connection between size and noises of rabbit, Then keep reading. This article covered all rabbit sound facts, why they make sounds, their meaning, etc.
Table of Contents
Why do rabbits make sounds?
Answers to this question are as follows; Most Rabbits often make sounds to communicate with us. Rabbits try to communicate with us by gestures, behaviors such as thumping legs and through different noises.
Adult rabbits and also bunnies produce sounds. Various types of sounds such as squeaking, muttering denote various expressions and protect their survival. They make sighing, honking sounds when they feel delighted.
Distressed rabbits are seen as screaming. Also, growling rabbits are seen when it gets angry. They try to induce communication by making sounds.
Different noises produced by them indicate their emotional state. When they are most happy, angry, sad, felt pain are all expressed through various noises.
Rabbit Sounds and What do They Mean?
Rabbits use noise, gestures, and behaviors to communicate with others. It expresses its emotions through various noises. You can immediately identify whether it’s in pain, hungry, or stressed by the noise produced.
They make a grunting noise when they are angry, clicking noise when it’s happy. It growls when it feels threatened. Hissing noise when it gets aggressive. Also, there are screaming and wheezing noises produced by them.
do rabbits have vocal cords?
The answer to this question is No. Rabbits do not possess vocal cords, but sometimes they make terrifying sounds. They make noise to express their emotions. Rabbits possess more prominent vocal folds.
They have a loose connective tissue called lamina propria, But most of the time, you can see them just sitting quietly. Minding their businesses. It produces some sounds while munching, but you won’t hear any sounds from their mouth. It’s because they don’t have vocal cords.
do bunnies get colds?
Bunnies may look cute and fragile. You might think that your bunny is very weak. And you may even think, what will happen if they are exposed to cool temperature. Would they get cold? Don’t worry. Your bunny can quickly adapt to a cold environment as well.
They can generally live in temperatures below 40 Fahrenheit. They won’t feel any cold. But below 20 Fahrenheit, you need to take precautions because it may be too cold for them.
10 Kinds of rabbit sounds
Rabbits are continually known as quiet animals. You may wonder whether they make sounds. Yes. Those cute creatures make noises to express their emotions. Rabbits do not possess vocal cords.
But they make some squeaking, screaming noises. Just look at their faces and try to interpret what they are trying to convey. These sounds are natural, and it is naturally present in their genes.
Suppose you want to learn all types of sounds that rabbits make and what do they indicate. Then keep reading to find out.
Honking
Usually, they make honking noises when they mate. Apart from that, when rabbits get excited, like seeing you bringing food for them, they may start to honk. Honk is related to happiness, excitement noises.
Muttering
Bunnies mutter when they are angry. We, humans, tend to mutter and walk around when we get angry. Same like that, rabbits mutter and go around when they are frustrated.
Tooth purring
Rabbits make purring sounds by rubbing their teeth together. It is not the same like cats purr. Rabbits purr when they are in pain. If you see rabbits purring their teeth, realize that they are in pain. Or sometimes, when you cuddle or stroke them gently, they purr.
Squealing/Screaming
Screaming sounds are related to terrifying situations. Because rabbits only squeal or scream when they feel threatened. Also, they scream when the predators chase them. Also, they scream when they die. So it is not a false alarm if your rabbit is screaming. It needs your help.
Wheezing
Wheezing indicates your rabbit is suffering from respiration-related problems. If it has breathing problems, it will start to wheeze heavily. It is a severe problem.
Whining
Rabbits usually whine when they dislike being handled. They usually make whining sounds when they don’t want the owner to handle them or control them.
Growling/grunting/hissing
When rabbits feel threatened, they growl. When they growl, they often tend to bite. There is a significant possibility that they may even try to bite you too. Also, they use hissing sounds to ward off other rabbits.
Teeth grinding
Rabbits grind when they are in lots of pain. They grind their teeth to indicate they aren’t feeling well, and they require medical attention. So if you see your rabbit grinding its teeth, make a vet appointment.
Clucking
Rabbits clucking sound is entirely different from chickens clicking sounds. Because those sounds aren’t so audible, those clicking sounds are formed by them when they are satisfied with the thing you are provided to them.
Happy Rabbit Noises
Rabbits make some noises when they are happy. Rabbits do not meow or bark like cats and dogs, and we may think they are silent animals. But they aren’t. They make a few noises when they are happy, sad, or excited. Here are some happy noises of rabbits.
Purring
Unlike cats purr, rabbits purr is very low audible. And it purrs when it feels contended. When you stroke them gently and they feel happy, they start to purr. Touch them softly, and you can see them rubbing their teeth.
Honking or Grunting
Honking noises are a bit more serious. Grunting rabbits are seen when they are irritated. It is also a Que that mating dance has begun. Also, they make honking sounds when they are highly annoyed.
Buzzing or Humming
You can see a rabbit humming or buzzing when it’s trying to get the attention of a female rabbit. It is a mating call, and it starts to hum when it’s pleasing and in a good mood.
Clucking or Chirruping
Rabbit click is very low noise. A rabbit will cluck if it’s feeling contended or if it’s showing its appreciation towards something. When the rabbits are eating something delicious, they will start to cluck. It’s a happy noise.
Rabbit Warning Sounds
Even though rabbits are quieter animals, they make some noises. When they are sad or distressed or in tremendous pain, they give some signs or try to communicate with us by making some sounds.
When they are in pain, hunger, dehydrated, they express it through noises. Here are some sounds that rabbits make.
Growling
If your rabbit is threatened, annoyed, or disturbed and angry, it will start to growl. Also, if the rabbit is scared and trying to protect its territory, it will make a growling noise.
Hissing
When the rabbits are annoyed, and in a very aggressive mood, they will start hissing. Same as us, they blow air between tongue and teeth and make hissing noises. The hissing noise indicates that your rabbit is feeling threatened.
Muttering
If the rabbit is very upset and wants something to be changed, they will usually mutter. It means the rabbits are not satisfied, need something to be changed, and are very unhappy and in a bad mood.
Grunting
Grunting is the most common noise. Unneutered make rabbits produce these sounds. It clearly says that the rabbit wants to mate.
It is also a general sign of excitement, and the rabbit will make grunting sounds and honk when it sees food. Also, when you see a grunting rabbit, soon introduce it with a female rabbit because it wants to mate.
Snorting
Rabbits also snort when they are sleeping. Same as humans, they too snore. It is not something related to respiration problems.
But if it is experiencing runny eyes, sneezing often, and nasal discharge, it may be the sign of respiratory infection and meet your vet soon.
Whining or Whimpering
Rabbits whimper when they are afraid. If they get shocked by fast-moving objects or see something, they will start to whimper. Also, if someone unfamiliar to them tries to lift them, they will start whimpering.
Sighing
When rabbits feel contended, they often sigh. It is a sign of a relaxed and happy bunny. They give a big sigh when they are pleased. So when you see them taking a great sigh, be happy that your bunny is relaxed and enjoying.
Rabbit Distress Signals
When the rabbits are distressed, they send signs through some noises. You can say it as a rabbit’s signal. They can’t communicate as we do.
So they try to let us know how they feel by making a few noises. When they are in pain, hunger, dehydration, they express it through noises. These are some distressed signals.
Screaming or Loud Squealing
When the rabbit is highly distressed, they start screaming. Also, when it’s in danger, and the predator is chasing the rabbit, it will start to scream. Also, if the rabbit is in extreme pain, it will start screaming.
Wheezing or Sniffling
Wheezing is known for the indication of respiratory-related problems. When it has trouble breathing, it will start to gasp and take heavy breaths. Also, it is a sign of low immunity and stressed rabbit. Also, if the rabbit is fat and blocked by fatty tissues, it will start to wheeze.
Teeth Grinding
You may think rabbit purring and teeth grinding is the same. But they both are entirely different. If your bunny is in pain or uncomfortable, it will start grinding its teeth.
Conclusions
In conclusion, we can say that rabbits make noises to express their emotional state. They got no other means to communicate with us. They can only convey their feelings through either gestures or some quiet noises.
Pain, hunger, happiness, fear, everything is expressed by them through different noises. Different noises produced by them indicate different feelings experienced by them. You need to know what they mean if you are the owner of a bunny.
Because they may try to communicate with us when they are in lots of pain, and if we don’t know its meaning, they may face severe issues. So, some noises are not false alarms. Instead, it is a sign that it needs help. So, in such instances, never ignore the sounds they make.
FAQs
Do rabbits cry when hurt?
Yes, rabbits cry when they are sad, in pain, or on the verge of death. But they don’t produce any tears while crying. They cry and weep without tears. Even they have emotions and feelings, just like us. Rabbits are not exceptions for crying.
What does a scared bunny sound like?
The rabbit will start to scream and growl when they are scared. Just like humans, they scream when they feel threatened and scared.
How to make your bunny trust you?
Talk to your bunny in soft voices, give him treats, pet him gently and softly. By doing these, you can build trust with your bunny partner, and they will start loving you.
What does it mean when rabbits scream?
Screaming is a sign that your rabbit is in lots of pain, or experiencing seizures, it is scared of its predator chasing it down. They normally scream when they are scared and in lots of pain. Also they scream when they die.
