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.
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.
The most common causes of weepy eyes include dental problems, tear duct disease, eye infections injuries, and irritation. Book an appointment with your vet if your rabbit has weepy eyes, even if they seem ok in themselves - the sooner the problem is treated the better.
Screaming or loud squealing
This indicates great alarm or extreme pain. It sounds exactly like a small child's scream. Some rabbits will never scream, but many will do so at least once in a lifetime. If your rabbit screams, offer immediate comfort and stay close for a few hours.
Rabbits will whimper if they are feeling scared and helpless. 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.
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.
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.
Unhappy Rabbit Sounds
Some noises are very obvious signs of pain or fear such as screaming. A rabbit will only scream if they are scared, stressed, or frightened. Hopefully, you never hear a rabbit scream, it is eerily chilling.
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.
Conjunctivitis in your rabbit is also known as weepy eye and is quite common. It is believed up to 30% of pet rabbits develop conjunctivitis. Your rabbit may experience irritation, redness, discharge and more.
Signs of pain include: > grinding teeth > rapid and shallow breathing > pulling hair > decreased grooming > hunched posture > lethargy > increased thirst and urination > a reluctance to move > bulging, strained, staring, or unfocused eyes.
If your rabbit nips or bites you (sometimes rabbits nip when they want something or want your attention - it's not always aggressive): give a high-pitched squeal as soon as she nips or bites you. This will let her know that she hurt you and she should not nip or bite you.
- Signs a rabbit may be suffering from stress/fear can include hiding/chewing cage bars/over-grooming/altered feeding or toileting habits/over-drinking/playing with the water bottle/sitting hunched/reluctance to move/repeatedly circling the enclosure.
'Rabbits are naturally fearful of anything coming from above, like their predators would. If we bend down to pick them up, that action is scary,' says Rosie. 'They also dislike being lifted up, as that's what happens when they're in a predator's mouth.
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.
All rabbits have their own way of dealing with grief. Some may respond to their mate's death by sinking into depression, refusing to eat, and generally becoming lethargic. Others may display anger in general or that's directed at you. However your rabbit grieves, make sure he is still eating and drinking.
Signs of stress may include: 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.
When a rabbit goes into shock, their body will become still or limp. The heart rate will be slow and difficult to detect and the rabbit will have pale white gums as a result of circulatory problems. Rabbits in shock will also have very cold ears because their body temperature is plummeting.
Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie.
Introduction. Rabbits are adorable, but they're also prey animals with a hardwired instinct to flee from danger. This makes them especially susceptible to anxiety and stress, which can lead to serious health issues.