bunny sounds

Question
My unneutered 2 1/2 yr old female bunny, Cherry, just took to making sounds.  It doesn't sound like a scream or a grunt but sort of bird-like.  When I went to feed them (in their large outdoor cage) she was doing her usual mounting of her neutered brother, Max, and made the sounds when I arrived.  None of that is too unusual, but then she continued to make these sounds when I stroked her and attempted to pick her up.  I have never heard her make more than a one or two syllable sounds before.  When I went back to check on them HE was mounting her and she made those sounds, both unusual.  Could this be a sign of a reproductive cycle or something I ought to be concerned about?  It is just so unusual, that I want to understand.  Thank You.  Sherri

Answer
Hi Sherri

Rabbits can make all sorts of sounds and they can come out of nowhere.  The only sound you really need to be concerned about is a high pitched awful sounding shrill or shriek.  If you hear that your rabbit is either in serious pain or dying.

When rabbits mate they can make noises such as guinea pigs make.  Its quite funny when you hear it.  She is most likely making some sort of mating ritual sounds.  Since she is not spayed she is probably hormonal right now, but even rabbits that are spayed can do this.

I am attaching a site for you to look through.  Pay close attention to the oinking/honking paragraph.  I have a feeling that she is singing a song for you.  

http://www.mybunny.org/info/bunnytalk.htm

This site can also give you some clues to other behaviors you might encounter.

If you have anymore questions please let me know

Thank you

Pam