Rabbits don't "cry" with tears like humans; instead, signs of distress, pain, or sadness involve specific sounds like screaming (pure terror), growling, hissing, or whimpering, coupled with body language like freezing, hunching, ears flat, hiding, chewing bars, or refusing to eat/groom, with weepy eyes often signaling underlying health issues like dental problems.
Screaming/squealing: very loud screams or squeals are a sign of fear, distress or extreme pain. Rabbit screams sound like a child's scream, if you hear this noise, comfort your rabbit and check for signs of injuries or dangers. If your rabbit remains distressed, contact your vet.
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.
Yes — rabbits can scream. But it's not what you think.
Recognising Pain in Rabbits – It's not the cry of a sore paw or a bruised back. It's the scream of pure terror. And if you've ever heard it — that sharp, soul-piercing noise — you'll never forget it.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
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 is feeling unwell, or if they're in pain, they may show signs such as:
Steps to Helping Your Rabbit with Their Grief
Signs of a stressed rabbit include body language like ears pinned back, a tense hunched posture, wide eyes, and stillness, combined with behavioral changes such as hiding excessively, aggression (biting, lunging), destructive bar biting, changes in eating/toileting, restlessness, rapid breathing, or unusual vocalizations like grunting. These signals, often a prey animal's reaction to feeling threatened or unhappy, need prompt attention as chronic stress can cause serious health issues.
How to Make Your Rabbit's Life Less Stressful
Working out if your rabbit could be lonely
A depressed rabbit is a sad sight to see. The rabbit will be withdrawn and exhibit unusual behaviors. For example, your rabbit may hide, appear listless, lose his appetite, or feel insecure around you. This often happens when a rabbit is alone for extended periods of time and is not given proper care and attention.
Rabbits can develop weepy eyes for many different reasons, and it's a symptom that is nearly always a sign of a problem (even if the discharge is clear). The most common causes of weepy eyes include dental problems, tear duct disease, eye infections injuries, and irritation.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
If you blast your bunny with a jet of water this could not only be harmful if you catch areas around the eyes, nose or ears, it could also be stressful and your rabbit could develop aggressive behavior towards you or become antisocial and timid.
Is there such a thing as a 'low mood' in rabbits?
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.
However, if your otherwise healthy elder rabbit begins to exhibit these signs, it's possible that his or her time is coming to an end.
A previous study based on primary veterinary care showed that the most common causes of death in pet rabbits were myiasis, myxomatosis, and bite injuries, which could be prevented by improved housing and suitable care [5].
Often, rabbits do not cry out or make sudden movements like humans, dogs or cats when painful areas are palpated. Signs of pain in the rabbit are often more subtle.
Sneezing, runny nose, and runny eyes
Sneezing might be a sign of trouble — though not always. If sneezing is accompanied by a runny nose and/or runny eyes, you should take your rabbit to the veterinarian immediately, especially if there is also a loss of appetite.
Pain can include pricking, tingling, stinging, burning, shooting, aching, or electric sensations. Pain is among the most important signals our body gives to help us survive. Pain can alert us to harmful changes in the body, like cancer, or help us learn to avoid something harmful, like touching a hot stove.