Honking. Honking is usually heard from a bunny who is excited or one who is about to receive their favorite treat.
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 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.
Honking or Grunting
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.
OINKS/HONKS: Meaning varies. Soft oinking sounds, especially those made by a doe, are often a part of the mating ritual, which can occur even with fixed bunnies. Can be a come-hither or “not tonight, dear…”. Soft, musical sort of sound, never used aggressively.
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.
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.
It can be confused with honking. Grunting is more often associated with frustration and discomfort, and may be accompanied by your rabbit stamping their feet, kicking, scratching or biting. Honking is a more positive noise, associated more with affection, excitement and play.
Nose Bonking / Nudging
It may be a greeting or their first line of investigation. But nudging can also indicate a level of bossiness. Your rabbit might be telling you, “You're in my way!” They may also be trying to get your attention because you're not petting them.
Stop petting them and place your hand on either side of their head, near their nose. If the rabbit softly nudges your hand or does nothing and just sits there expectantly, then you know your rabbit is enjoying being pet and wants more.
Rabbits grunt when they feel threatened or territorial. Thumping: Thumping is an attention getting behavior. Sometimes a rabbit will thump to warn others about something it has seen or heard, or to express fear or being upset. Nose Nudging: Nose nudging is another behavior that has several meanings.
Many bunnies enjoy cuddles and affection
Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them. Once a bunny is comfortable in their new home, they may claim you as their own by rubbing their chin on you to mark their territory.
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.
Why does my rabbit put her head down when I pet her? When your rabbit lays their head down flat on the ground, they are enjoying being pet and are laying still so that you continue. They might even close their eyes or nudge your hand if you stop petting them.
Have hiding places and toys ready to put in the area, but leave it empty for when you first introduce them. Once the rabbits are comfortable with the sight and smell of each other, they can be introduced for short periods in the neutral area.
Lunging and swatting
Often times with rabbits, lunging is a warning. They don't want to hurt you, but they are letting you know they could if you don't back off. This behavior is almost always accompanied by a growl.
Rabbit nipping or biting
A bunny nip is gentler than a bite. Bunnies will nip to get your attention, or to politely ask you to move out of their way. Rabbits usually do not bite, but if one does, generally it doesn't mean that he hates you.
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.
Some unspayed females are aggressive and territorial. Many have repeated phantom pregnancies and may growl, lunge at, scratch or bite their owners or other rabbits, particularly in spring and summer.
The nose, face, cheeks, and ears seem like safe areas to try. Under the chin might or might not be a problem area, depending on the rabbit. The back is likely safe. The belly, feet, and rear end seem like no-go areas.
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.
Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.