What does it mean when a rabbit is whimpering?
When your rabbit whines or whimpers, it's a sign of unhappiness with the situation. Your pet may whine if you try to cuddle it against its wishes, for example. It might whimper if put into an enclosure with another rabbit that it doesn't particularly like.
Rabbits cry when they are in pain, scared, or about to die. Also, baby rabbits (kits) cry when they are starving. Even though rabbits make crying noises, they don't produce any tears. If your rabbit's eyes are wet or weeping, she may have a dental disease, allergies, or an infection.
Most commonly, rabbits make muttering sounds amongst themselves or squeal when they're in pain. Sometimes they cluck or chug in their sleep, much like humans snore. People may be able to hear them darting through vegetation or digging if they're close enough.
Often a rabbit in pain will sit hunched up, unwilling to move. A rabbit that sits hunched up, with eyes half closed, and firm teeth grinding is likely in pain and needs a vet check form filled out and supervisor notified.
Rabbits are also capable of growling, snorting, and hissing, all of which are generally associated with signs of aggression. 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.
Whimpering/Whining
It sounds a little like a snorting squeak and is generally a sign that you need to give your rabbit a little more space so they can calm down feel safe and comfortable. Whimpering is not a common sound you will hear from a rabbit.
- Weight gain is not usually noticed, if at all, until towards the end of pregnancy.
- A more rounded belly appearance may be seen.
- Pulling fur from the abdomen, sides and dewlap to line the nest can be seen a few hours before giving birth.
- Mood swings and not wanting to be held.
If your rabbits look tucked up and quiet with their chins tucked in and noses not twitching this can be a sure sign of them feeling unhappy or stressed, as this is not a normal position for a rabbit. Moving or running away. Your rabbits may turn and move away from you (or each other) if they're unhappy.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin, carprofen, flunixin meglumine, and meloxicam are able to decrease swelling and inflammation. The potency of different NSAIDS varies with each drug, dose and type of pain. Rabbits require high dosages of aspirin, but it can be a very effective analgesic.
The most common sounds a rabbit makes while crying are whimpering, squealing and grunting. Sometimes, they make high-pitched and loud sound similar to a scream. While that happens very rarely, when it does, it can be alarming. Further, when a baby bunny cries, it sounds very similar to a sheep bleating.
Do bunnies squeak when hurt?
Rabbits also scream when they're in excruciating pain, or when they're having a seizure. A rabbit may scream just before it dies as well. If you hear a loud squeal from your rabbit, understand that it is a sign of extreme pain, terror, or calling out for help. Sit with your rabbit, pet it, and offer it comfort.
Breeding rabbits
The female rabbit (doe) does not come into heat (oestrus) as do other animals. The doe will accept the male (buck) at any time of the year.
Mating. When does become receptive to mating, they will usually show signs of being in heat. They may act restless, rub their chins on feed and water containers or other equipment, and show a desire to join other rabbits.
Mating itself is a very rapid affair, with the male rabbit straddling the female rabbit with his forelegs, gripping her neck with his teeth. After a few thrusts, he will ejaculate and, rather unceremoniously, momentarily lose consciousness and fall off her sideways.
- Slow movement, staying still or hiding away.
- Breathing faster than usual or noisy breathing.
- Eating less and/or refusing certain foods.
- A change in thirst levels.
- Producing less stool or producing stool that looks different to normal.
The most urgent symptoms of a sick rabbit include not eating and not pooping. A rabbit in this condition should be brought to the emergency room. Other serious symptoms include a sudden decrease in energy levels, mouth breathing, or a snotty nose.
Purring – Just like a cat, a rabbit makes a purring noise when it's happy and contented. Sighing – Another happy and contented sound, usually made when a rabbit is sitting comfortably and happily.
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). The whimper is a protest to the environment in which they find themselves.
Like all mammals, rabbits experience of a range of emotions, both basic and complex. A domesticated pet rabbit will understand and mirror the emotions of their owner. If you're happy, you'll find your rabbit reflecting this joy. If you are withdrawn and depressed, a rabbit will express concern for your predicament.
The signs of an unhappy rabbit
Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all. A change in feeding or toilet habits. Drinking a lot more. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
How do you tell if a rabbit is stressed?
- appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body)
- being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes)
- being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
- being aggressive when handled.
The easiest method to help your rabbit relax is to place them in a familiar and secure environment. You're halfway there if your rabbit is already in its comfortable rabbit bed or close to its enclosure. Please turn off any loud noises and seal the door to keep other pets out of their secure place.
- Keep loud noises to a minimum. ...
- Make sure they have a good environment. ...
- Get into a good routine. ...
- Give your rabbit time to warm up. ...
- Keep your rabbit occupied with toys. ...
- Give your rabbit lots of attention.