Although it may seem that rabbits are silent and very quiet animals, they have a good variety of sounds to indicate different moods or needs. The rabbit's verses are used to communicate with their companions, whether they are human or not, so it is very important to learn how to identify them.
Rabbits, because of their status as prey animals, tend to remain silent and immobile when amid nature. But in a house, their behavior is different. In the security provided by living in a house, rabbits can make more sounds and move more.
Knowing the language of the rabbit will help us to establish a healthier and more positive relationship with our pets. In addition, we will know how to act in certain situations and not worry about believing that our rabbit is behaving inappropriately when they are behaving entirely naturally.
Rabbit verses with their meaning
Sometimes, it may seem that a rabbit does not produce any sound, at least no sound that can be annoying to ourselves or to our neighbors. But, the more we spend time with our rabbits, the more we will realize that this is not the case: rabbits produce many sounds, many of which are related to well-being and a good relationship with their tutor. Some of the sounds emitted are:
Cluking: is a giggling sound, but at a very low frequency, almost imperceptible. This sound is produced while chewing something they like very much, not necessarily a food, it can simply be a piece of wood that we use as environmental enrichment.
Growling: Rabbits can growl and usually do so as a prelude to a bite or blow with their front legs. It's a defensive sound when they feel threatened or doesn't want to be touched.
Purring: Rabbits, like cats, purr. They purr when they gently rub their teeth. Like cats, it means that they are in a state of calm and serenity.
Whistle: Rabbits who live with other rabbits whistle to hunt their congeners.
Hitting with the hind legs: it's true that when a rabbit beats a strong blow with the hind legs it means that he didn't like something, but he also uses the sound produced by the blow to warn his companions that something bad is about to happen, such as, for example, the possible presence of a predator.
Grinding teeth: when a rabbit grinds heavily we are faced with one of the signs of pain. He usually tells us that he is suffering, so it would be urgent to take him to a vet.
He screams: the rabbits scream and, when they do, they don't communicate anything positive. This sound is produced when they are being chased by a predator or when they are dying.
Whining: Rabbits moan or complain when they don't want to be touched. They can also whine when they are placed with an unwanted partner or when a female communicates with a male who does not want to copy.
Roncing: This sound is typical of males when they try to woo a female.
Horn: accompanied by circular turns, the sounds of the horn are often linked to the courtship phase.
Now that you know the verses of the rabbit, it will be much easier to communicate with your pet. Want to know more? Here are some details of their behavior!
Another behaviour of rabbits
In addition to verses, rabbits have other behaviors to communicate their mood or their needs.
Some of these behaviors are:
Fish Flop: The rabbit suddenly lies on the ground. Although it may not seem like it, it means that it is very calm and quiet.
Touch your chin: on the chin of the rabbits, there are glands that produce pheromones that are used to mark the territory or even other partners, such as humans. Then they rub their chin against something to delimit, mark their territory.
Licking: Licking indicates a form of peacockery, but it can also be a sign of affection and relaxation.
Pushing with your nose: if your rabbit pushes you hard with his nose, it may require attention or simply needs you to move to make it pass.
Spray of urine: rabbits, if not sterilized, will mark their territory with urine; but not only the territory, also other rabbits, pets or ourselves.
Ears backward: if your rabbit gets his ears backward, we advise you not to invade his space, because you need peace of mind.
Tail movement: rabbits move their tails vigorously and, if they do, it's because they're not enjoying something. It's a threatening signal.
It can happen for two reasons: if she is a female and she needs to prepare her nest or if she is ill.