Rabbits are highly sensitive to thunder, loud bangs from fireworks, and very noisy children. They're also likely to run away when you turn on your hoover. Typical signs of distress in rabbits include: Staying motionless / playing dead.
Whimpering and thumping (a sharp stomp of the hind feet) are often associated with fear. The final, most worrisome sound a rabbit makes is screaming.
With a hearing range of 360Hz – 42,000Hz, sudden noises from thunder, people, high frequencies, other animals, fireworks, and cars all are effective rabbit deterrents.
Any fast or sudden movements, loud noises, unfamiliar smells or larger creatures – including their owners – can trigger a fear response. 'We're predators from a rabbit's point of view,' explains clinical animal behaviourist Rosie Bescoby, who runs animal behaviour consultancy Pet Sense.
As a prey animal, rabbits are highly responsive to noise. If you find that your rabbit isn't responding to loud or unusual noises, this could be an indication that they may be deaf or losing their hearing.
Rabbits and other pets
Bunnies are prey animals (rather than predators), so they prefer a gentle, quiet environment, which means they may not fit in well with a family that includes rowdy dogs and cats.
Try sprinkling dried sulfur around or on your plants. Rabbits also dislike the smell of onions, so try planting these around your garden to further deter the furry creatures. To discourage pesky rabbits, try dusting your plants with plain talcum powder.
By gently talking to your rabbit and petting them, you can let them know there is nothing to be afraid of. If that doesn't work, you can also use treats and toys to distract your rabbit. Even the most anxious rabbit can be comforted when you give them time and patience.
Rabbits will usually tense up if they are stressed or worried. They might go into a crouched position, or flatten themselves against the ground – like they're trying not to be seen, but are also ready to run if they need to.
It's important to understand that rabbits are prey animals, which means they are easily scared by lively or barking dogs - even ones that mean no harm.
Rabbits are not afraid of the dark in and of itself. If they cannot see and things are happening around them, though, they'll naturally become skittish. An outdoor bunny will smell and hear wild animals. These could be foxes patrolling your yard, neighborhood cats, or owls and bats.
Rabbits will remember the people that they spend a lot of time with, and this includes their owners and caretakers. As prey animals, they have neurologically developed with a strong long-term memory for places and routines. You can use these associations to help strengthen your rabbit's memory of you.
Several scientific studies have explored the relationship between animals and music. People often play music to keep their pets calm, and it's been shown to be effective. This surely means that a rabbit will also derive pleasure from listening to familiar songs. Rabbits find classical music calming.
Rabbits are easy to frighten. Whether it's from loud noises, other animals, or even humans, rabbits spook at the nearest sign of trouble. This is because rabbits are prey animals. A prey animal's main method of survival is by avoiding predators.
Move slowly and talk quietly around rabbits so as not to startle them. They're more likely to be relaxed in a quiet and calm handling environment. Picking rabbits up when you're close to ground level is less likely to scare them, and is also safer, as it helps prevent them from being dropped from a height by accident.
Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!
When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love. He is trying to groom you and is simulating the grooming process (however, you have no fur to build up knots in so it results in just a little nibble of the skin).
Likewise buttercups, foxgloves, primrose, delphiniums/larkspur, columbine (aquilegia) hellebore, comfrey, poppy, periwinkle, monkshood, rhubarb, nightshade, ivy, privet, holly and yew are all reasonably common garden plants and all are toxic.
Just like us, rabbits can get bored quite easily so need lots of stimulation and changes to their environment. And also just like us, they like to watch TV!
Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.
Rabbits can become depressed if their environment isn't right, or if they're sick or stressed. Unhappy rabbits often seem lethargic and unmotivated. They may sleep more than usual, or hide for hours on end. They may seem reluctant to eat, even when offered their favorite foods.