Rabbits are not much popular when it comes to keeping pets. But, there are people who love keeping rabbits as pets. But, one common complaint that people tend to make about the rabbits is that they are quiet. Ever wondered why rabbits are so quiet? Let us try finding answers to those questions.
Rabbits are prey animals and that is why they avoid making noise so that they would avoid attracting the predators. The rabbits would ideally communicate through their actions instead of voice. They would ideally make some sounds for communicating their feelings. Another reason that rabbits may tend to be quiet can include Stress, Illness, Shyness, Boredom, GI Stasis and Dental problems.
Why Are Rabbits so Quiet – 9 Reasons to Explore!
There can be several reasons why a rabbit stays quiet. If you are wondering why your bunny does not make much noise, here are nine prominent reasons behind why rabbits do not make a sound.
1. They do not make noise during daytime
Rabbits, just like cats, are crepuscular animals. This means they sleep at dawn and dusk. Your rabbit may make less noise during the day. They tend to sleep during the day.
2. They are not “talkative”
Rabbits generally do not communicate verbally unlike cats and dogs. The noises they make is quite limited. You need to watch their actions to understand what they want to tell you. A few actions that they use to communicate with their body language include chinning, flopping, grunting, nipping and tail wagging to name a few.
3. They are active listeners
Rather than talking to you or making noise, rabbits tend to listen. They have a strong sense of hearing. Rabbits generally rely on ears to be active and keep a check on the predators, they need to be quiet. That explains yet another reason why your rabbit is quiet.
4. They want safety
Rabbits want to be safe from predators. Your bunny knows that making noise can make the predators active and that is why it prefers staying silent.
5. They still do not trust you
You might have seen this behaviour with dogs and cats as well. They will feel threatened when they come across you for the first time. Once they begin trusting you, they will try to get your attention by making sounds.
6. Your bunny is getting old
Yet another reason that may keep your rabbit quiet can be its age. If your bunny has grown to seven years or more, they have entered their senior years. They do not have much energy left in them. You would also find them sleeping more, having slower movements and trouble in grooming.
7. It is their “off” day!
Like us humans, rabbits also want their own leave me alone days. As long as they are in a relaxed position, you will find them good enough.
8. They are not keeping well
If you find that the rabbit is not noisy only on one day, it may be an indicator that they are ill. If you find the rabbit suddenly becomes quiet, you may need to take it to a vet.
9. It may be stress
Stress is yet another reason that makes your rabbits go silent. Of course, rabbits are generally quiet, but there are times when it may go quiet all of a sudden. Some reasons that may make your bunny get stressed out can include lack of activity, sudden noises, unfamiliar people and surroundings and boredom.
Common Bunny Noises You Should Know
You have a large variety of bunny noises that you may need to follow if you want to know your rabbit better.
- Clucking – It should mean your bunny is happy. This sound is quite similar to a hiccup.
- Growling, Hissing and Grunting – These tend to be the negative voices. At one extreme, it may indicate feat and anger. At the other end, it may indicate that your rabbit is not happy with something. It may also mean the rabbit does not want to be handled at the time.
- Honking – It will indicate that the rabbit is happy and ready to play. The sound will be accompanied by running in circles around you.
- Muttering – This is an indicator of not being happy or annoyance.
- Teeth grinding or Teeth Chattering – A loud teeth grinding may indicate that the bunny is in extreme pain or agonised. A A quiet teeth grinding is a sign of happy rabbit. They may also opt for quieter tooth grinding when they are being pet.
- Screaming – If your rabbit screams or makes loud noises, it may be very scared or it can also be signs of pain. A visit to the vet may be necessary and imminent. It may even be scared of something. Try staying close to your bunny.
- Wheezing – This will indicate that your rabbit is contented or maybe a little sleepy. However, if you witness continuos wheezing, it may indicate some issues with breathing. A visit to the vet may be necessary.
- Whining – Whining is your bunny’s way of getting attention. It may also indicate that your bunny needs help.
- Charging – This is an aggressive behaviour and indicates that the rabbit is annoyed or angry. It may also indicate that the bunny is feeling uncomfortable for some reason.
- Throwing objects – This is yet another aggressive body language which indicates annoyance.
Understanding these rabbit noises can be quite essential for the rabbit lovers and rabbit owners alike. That way, you will be able to understand what your bunny is trying to communicate to you.
Is it normal for Rabbits to be Quiet?
It is quite common for the rabbits to stay silent because they are the prey animals and staying silent is their prime weapon against the predators. Rabbits do make some noise, but they are not utterly vocal. However, too much quietness or staying silent all of a sudden may also be a sign of stress, illness or annoyance.
If your rabbit is both silent and also shows sluggishness, it may indicate that something is wrong. If your bunny is behaving normal with its activities, but still remains silent, you may need to worry. If you find your rabbit becomes suddenly less active, and stops eating, it can be an indication that the rabbit is unhealthy and is in pain. If you are wondering why are rabbits quiet, the primary reason is that they are prey animals and keeping quiet is their way of staying safer from the predators.
So, Why Are Rabbits So Quiet?
Well, we have outlined the reasons why your rabbit is so quiet. That would mean ideally you should not be worried if you find your rabbit remains silent. Except when it goes silent all of a sudden, there is nothing you need to bee worried about. They are not generally as vocal and noisy as the cats or dogs. But, they tend to be much active, even when they may be silent. your rabbits are silent creatures by nature and there is nothing you need to be worried about.
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