The Languages of Sounds

The sounds of wild rabbits, like those of domesticated rabbits, are almost always very soft and tentative. Often you will have to listen very carefully or you won't hear them at all.

Violent gnashing of teeth, in combination with a dull, listless gaze and general apathy: Always a sign of great pain, caused, for example, by tympanitis. Not to be confused with.

Faint grinding noise produced by jaw movement: An expression of contentment, this sound is produced primarily when the back of the rabbit's neck is scratched. It is more pronounced in some rabbits than in others.

Spitting: Always a sign of aggression. A brief spitting sound may precede an attack. It has little similarity to the spitting noises made by cats, however.

Brief growling: This sound usually is produced by bucks shortly after mating.

Cooing: Dwarf does often coo when nursing their young, and rabbits may produce this sound when communicating with each other, if they feel safe, sound, and secure. The range of sounds is quite broad, and the noises are similar to the cooing of doves, although the rabbits' cooing is less even and deeper in pitch.

How To Train & Care For Your Rabbit - Essential Guide for Rabbit Owners: How to Train, Care and Build Trust with your Pet Rabbit in 30 days or less.