Everyone at some point wishes that they had quiet pets.People prefer rabbits as pets because they are comparatively quieter than a dog or a cat. But exactly how quiet are they?Like every animal, rabbits also have their need to communicate, and like most animals, they depend on their vocal sounds to communicate everything from happiness to even death. Most of us have difficulties understanding our pets, especially in the initial stages.You can read articles, watch videos, and consult bets to learn how to understand your pet better. Rabbits are famous for their docile temperament. They are a common choice for pets, even though not as much as dogs. They are affectionate, have a few special requirements, and are extremely cute.If you wish to raise a bunny or have recently adopted one and would like to understand it better, you are in the right place. In this article, you will find various sounds rabbits make, what each of them means, and how you can respond to each of them.In addition to vocal sounds, rabbits use body language and muted or muffled sounds to communicate with other rabbits. In fact, they use these more than other louder vocal sounds. You might need some time with rabbits before you can identify the sounds they make sometimes. This is because some sounds are made on a much lower level than the others you might easily notice.Rabbit facts are fun, aren’t they? Want to know more about them? If you are interested in this article, why not also read more articles about rabbits like do rabbits bite or do rabbits hibernate here on Kidadl?Do rabbits make sounds at night?Rabbits are crepuscular animals. This means that they are primarily most active during dusk and dawn. Still, your pet bunny might be sound asleep when you wake up and might wake you up in the night when you finally decide to sleep after a long day.Thumping sounds are one of the loudest rabbit sounds. Rabbits thump with their cute hind feet, hop around, and chew on their cages. These rabbit sounds would be enough to keep you awake.You might be hoping that your rabbit stops making sounds at night. You can do a few things to bring the sound down to a minimum so that you won’t lose sleep. Suppose your rabbit’s schedule is adjusted so that you give your rabbit attention regularly. In this case, a rabbit will be able to come up with a mutually convenient time for being active and playful.A bunny may whine or whimper if you annoy it. For example, if you pick it up and this annoys it, then a rabbit whines to let you know they are annoyed. A whimper is a sign of protest, and therefore, should be given attention to. Sometimes the noise they make in the middle of the night could be more than just out of boredom.So, if you have pet rabbits that make noises when you want to sleep, it is wise to just check on them and ensure they are fine. The clucking sounds they make when they sleep are similar to humans snoring. They make these while eating good food too. These types of sounds are harmless; in fact, they are good sounds.However, some sounds could mean your bunny is in danger. You might want to watch out for teeth purring and teeth grinding. While the former can make you happy, teeth grinding is a warning to check your rabbit is safe and sound. The rabbit could be in pain or needs help if you can hear its teeth grinding.Should you be worried when your rabbit makes noise?So, rabbits make sounds. As a rabbit parent, you could be wondering what could be the reason they make some sounds. Like most animals, rabbits too make different types of noises for different reasons. Before we wonder why they make noise, let us look at all the types of bunny sounds they make and understand the reasons behind each of them.Rabbits may make clucking noises, purr, and hum when they are happy or when something good happens. The clucking of a bunny is not the same as a chicken. It is not as loud, and it means they appreciate what they are eating and are satisfied with it.Like cats, rabbits also purr when they are happy and content. But the similarities end there. A rabbit purr is tooth purring, resulting in a rabbit rubbing its teeth together lightly, whereas a cat uses its throat for the same sound. We all feel immense pleasure and feel like we are filled with love when we listen to a cat or a rabbit purr. It is a very soft sound. We just made our hard-to-please furball happy!A buck, a male rabbit, attracting a doe, a female rabbit, is another situation when you will hear a rabbit humming.Now, what about when they are angry, scared, or sad? The sounds unhappy rabbits make are much louder. They could growl or grunt, snort, hiss, thump, and scream. When angry or threatened, rabbits can be seen growling, much like a cat or a dog. This is the most common rabbit noise. A rabbit hisses and snorts to scare a threat away. This usually happens before or after a rabbit growls. The threat could just be as harmless as you approaching for a cuddle, but if they make this defensive noise, do not approach them or pick them up.Much like frustrated kids and their foot-stomping, rabbits also thump their feet. Like with children, we can’t know whether they are angry or just bored and seeking attention. A rabbit screaming is one thing you do not wish to hear, and it is not because it is loud and sharp. It is because a rabbit scream is associated with the worse thing that could happen. Screaming rabbits could be in pain, terrified, or dying. Screaming is a result of psychological distress. They scream when they are being attacked, are in excruciating pain, having a seizure, or dying.Rabbits scream before they die, and you do not want to listen to your rabbit scream. If you hear a loud squealing, immediately contact your vet and stay beside your rabbit. If your rabbit makes happy noises, you do not have to worry about them. However, if you hear them make angry noises or hear your rabbit scream, you should check what is wrong and take steps to ensure that your rabbit is safe.How to calm a rabbit?You should know how to handle your rabbit and calm them down and this is why it is important to know the different rabbit sounds. The usual disturbances could be solved by giving them more attention, a proper and regular routine, and making sure they get adequate sleep.It is a wise decision and loving gesture to play with your rabbit before bedtime. This would make them use up their excess energy, achieve their daily social life goals, and sleep soundly because they are tired. This is a perfect choice for both you and your rabbit. The excess energy would otherwise be used to make all those noises that keep you awake at night.Running, hopping, and other physical activities will ensure your rabbit has fun and can sleep. You could make a few minor changes to your rabbit’s daily routine to help it be more at ease. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit and it is clingy, your absence might cause it to be agitated or worried. You could fix this by giving your rabbit enough space and alone time so that it reduces its dependency on you. Make sure that your rabbit gets to play in the evening rather than the morning. This can ensure they will be tired by the time you go to sleep.You could bring some regularity to their daily lives so that you won’t be taken by surprise with spontaneous outbursts of energy. Sounds boring? Well, it might be, but it is more practical for both you and the bunny. Covering the cage or hutch of your rabbit can help it calm down at night. You can’t expect overnight results by doing this. But slowly, your rabbit will come to terms with covering up being equated to bedtime.When it comes to the more alarming rabbit noises, you have to act appropriately to calm your rabbit down. Watch out for signs of distress and injury. Fix anything that can be fixed. If they are injured or in pain or if they are screaming, seek immediate medical help.How to pet a rabbit?A new pet requires some time before it gets comfortable with you. Likewise, a new bunny needs a lot of love and care before it begins to trust you. This will help you in understanding how your rabbit feels when you approach it.If you hear your pet rabbit make sounds that can be considered positive, you can probably approach or keep doing what you are doing. If you hear whining or whimpering, growling, teeth grinding, foot-stomping, or any other rabbit noises or sound associated with aggressive behavior, it is best not to pick it up or touch it.If you do a good job, your rabbit may trust you. A rabbit may make a quiet pet, but rabbits are prey animals, and therefore, gaining their trust is important before you approach them. Do not startle them; rather, approach gently. You could lower yourself down on your knees when you get closer as a tall human being might feel like a threat. Do not force if they are not willing to come to you, especially if you don’t want to get nipped.You could extend your hands for your rabbit to sniff and give it treats. You could start petting your rabbit once you gain its trust and it is comfortable around you. Petting it on the back, cheeks, shoulders, and forehead is the best.Like cats, rabbits are also particular about petting. However, unlike a cat or a dog, they don’t like you scratching their chin. Additionally, remember to keep your hands off vulnerable spots like the stomach or paws. Let your bunny get used to being picked up by you. Let them take their time. Don’t rush things like bonding. After all, you are looking for a bond that lasts, aren’t you?Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Do rabbits make noise? Fun facts about our furry friends, then why not take a look at what is a baby rabbit called, or smallest rabbit breed.
Everyone at some point wishes that they had quiet pets.