Although rabbits may appear to be quiet and calm animals, they have a good variety of sounds to indicate different moods or needs. The rabbit sounds are used to communicate with their peers, human or not, so it is very important to learn to identify them.
In this article on our site we will talk about the way rabbits communicate, to better understand what our rabbit wants to tell us and, in this way, communicate better with the. Keep reading!
The language of rabbits
Rabbits, as prey animals, tend to be silent and remain motionless when in nature. But in a home this is different. In the security that living in a house provides, rabbits can make more sounds and movements
Knowing our rabbit's language will help us establish a he althier and more positive relationship with our pet. In addition, we will know how to act in certain situations and not get upset for believing that our rabbit is behaving inappropriately, when it really is something natural for them.
Here is a list of sounds that rabbits make and what they mean:
The sounds of rabbits and their meaning
Sometimes it may seem to us that a rabbit makes no sound, at least no sound that could be annoying to ourselves or our neighbors. As we spend time with a rabbit we will see that this is not the case, rabbits produce many sounds, many of them related to well-being and a good relationship with their guardian. Some of the rabbit sounds are:
- Clucking: This is a clucking sound but at a very low frequency, almost imperceptible. They produce this sound while chewing something they like very much, it does not have to be a food product, it can simply be a piece of wood that we use as environmental enrichment.
- Growls: Rabbits can growl and often do so as a prelude to a bite or strike with their front paws. It is a defense sound, when they feel threatened or do not want to be touched.
- Purr: Rabbits, like cats, purr. However, this purr is produced by gently rubbing their teeth together. As in cats, it means that the rabbit is calm and happy.
- Whistle: Rabbits that live with other rabbits whistle to expel their mates.
- Hit with hind legs: It is true that when a rabbit gives a strong hit with its hind legs it means that something has not liked but they also use the sound produced by the blow to warn their companions when something bad is coming, like the possible presence of a predator.
- Grinding teeth: when a rabbit grinds loudly we are facing one of the signs of pain in rabbits. He usually communicates that he is suffering, so it would be urgent to take him to a vet.
- Screams: Rabbits scream, and when they do, they don't communicate anything positive. They make this sound when they are being chased by a predator or when they are dying.
- Whines: Rabbits whine or whimper when they don't want to be handled or handled. They may also whine when placed with an unwanted mate or when a female tells a male that she does not want to copulate.
- Buzzing: This sound is typical of males when trying to court a female.
- Horn: Accompanied by circular turns, horn sounds are often associated with courtship behavior.
Now that you know the sounds of rabbits, it will be much easier for you to communicate with your pet. Have you been wanting more? Here are some details about their behavior!
Other rabbit behaviors
In addition to sounds, rabbits perform many other behaviors to communicate their mood or needs. Some of these behaviors are:
- Fish Flop: The rabbit quickly and dramatically flops onto its side. Although it may not seem like it, it means that he is very comfortable and calm.
- Rub the chin: on the chin of rabbits there are glands that produce pheromones that are used to mark the territory or even others companions, like humans. Thus, they rub their chin against something to mark it.
- Lick: Licking is a form of grooming behavior, but can also be a sign of affection and relaxation.
- Nudge with the nose: if your rabbit presses hard on you with his nose, he may be demanding attention or you may simply be moving away from him. path so that it can pass. Also discover on our site: How do I know if my rabbit loves me?
- Urine spraying: Rabbits, if not sterilized, will mark their territory with urine, in fact not just the territory, also to other rabbits, pets or ourselves.
- Ears backwards: If your rabbit places its tense ears backwards, it is recommended that you do not invade its space, as it needs calm.
- Tail Wag: Rabbits wag their tails vigorously, and if they do, it's because they don't like something. It is a threat signal.
- Pulling out hair: it can happen for two reasons, that it is a female and you need to prepare her nest or that she is sick.
Below you can see a Fish Flop in the video on the YouTube channel @CutesyWootseyBunnies:
