If a rabbit is honking, grunting, and circling, it's a sign that the mating dance has begun. Both males and females make these noises. If your rabbits have been neutered, they may honk and grunt out of general excitement, like if they see you coming with a treat. They may also do it to get your attention.
Grunting or 'honking'
In spayed females and neutered males it is a sign of excitement or eagerness, for example if you are about to feed them or if they are chasing each other. Some rabbits may honk as a way of getting your attention i.e. they will sit at your feet and grunt at you.
Honking is often a sign of pleasure. Some bunnies honk when they are eating, getting treats, getting attention, or snuggling.
Honking is a sound that rabbits make when they are happy and excited. I hear rabbits make this soft sound when they are expecting treats or when they get excited for play time. For most rabbits, this is a very soft sound that is difficult to hear unless you listen very closely.
Growling/hissing/grunting
Your rabbit is angry, feels threatened and is showing disapproval. Your rabbit may, for example, be saying 'Leave me alone' if he doesn't want to be handled, or if he wants to protect his territory – such as his cage or food – from a human hand or another rabbit.
Grunting is part of the mating ritual, and is heard from both male and female rabbits. Female rabbits may also grunt whilst pregnant and when they have young kits, as they are protective over their young.
If they are sitting upright and their front paws are 'boxing' at you, they are likely very unhappy. Vocalising. Rabbits don't tend to make much noise and when they do it's a sign they're feeling very threatened. You may hear them grunting or growling and in extreme cases, they can scream.
These verbalizations sound similar, but have different meanings. Honking denotes fun and pleasure. Grunting is an expression of distaste or disgust. If accompanied by a hiss or growl, the rabbit is wholly displeased.
Some rabbits will thump for reasons other than fear, including annoyance. They're using the thumps to communicate that they want you to stop doing something, or start doing something. It can be a warning to back off and not pick them up, or it may be a demand to cuddle.
Honking This is a courting sound of males and females in heat. Sometimes, the rabbit will honk while running circles around a person or animal and this usually means it is asking for food or attention.
What sounds does my rabbit make when they're happy? Unlike a cat that purrs from its throat, a rabbit 'purrs' by very gently rubbing its teeth together. It's a lot quieter than a cat purr, but if you've got your rabbit on your lap and are gently stroking it, you'll hear it if they're feeling very contented.
They may hump other animals, people, or even objects such as furniture. If this occurs, try to engage your rabbit in another activity, such as some exploration time, a food puzzle, or some rewards-based training. Spaying will resolve this behaviour.
Circling is one way that rabbits will show their affection for the people who they feel close to. It's an indication that your rabbit is excited to see you. You might even notice they are making a quiet oinking or buzzing sound while they do it (sometimes called honking too).
Loafed / Splooting: Loafing or splooting is when your rabbit is in relaxation mode. They're either bundled up and looking like a little loaf with their front legs tucked in to form a rounded shape or stretched out with their back legs stretched out behind them.
Rabbits are nose breathers, so if they're breathing through their mouth, they are likely to be in distress and need to see a vet immediately.
This study showed that vocalizations of rabbit does, placed in contact with male on day 12 after mating, were significantly increased when the females were pregnant (+67.7%). The vocalization test could be used as a complementary indicator of pregnancy in domestic rabbits.
Whining or whimpering: Rabbits will whine or whimper if they do not want to be handled. You may hear it, particularly from a pregnant doe that has been put into a cage with another rabbit (especially a buck).
Does are mature and can breed at 5 to 6 months of age and can continue to have young for 4 years. The length of pregnancy in the rabbit is 31 days and the doe can produce from 1 to 12 young each time she gives birth. She can become pregnant again within a few days of giving birth.
Squealing occurs when the rabbit is in exceptional discomfort. The rabbit may squeal if you're holding it and refusing to let go. It will repeat this squeal over and over again like an alarm call. You may also think that it sounds like whining or whimpering.
SYMPTOMS: When a rabbit suffers from gas, it is pertinent that you treat your bunny as quickly as possible. Symptoms that are most commonly presented include: - Gurgling noises coming from your rabbit's stomach.
However, anything that obstructs the rabbit's nasal passages or causes a narrrowing may mean that the rabbit emits a 'snoring' noise when breathing. This can sometimes be caused by the rabbits' breed, a foreign body or bacterial infections, and some rabbits may also truly snore!
Usually female rabbits will have stronger personalities than males. They'll typically be stubborn and adventurous, behaving as if they are a little princess in the household. It's also more common for female rabbits to be more standoffish toward human companions.
Many rabbits can be taught to trust you enough to pick them up, however. Rabbits also have other ways to show affection. If your pet rabbit trusts you, it may flop down next to you. It may lean against you, and it may even sit in your lap.