Male Rabbit Crying

Question
I have a male bunny which is over 1 year old.  He sometimes sounds like he is crying.  Is this normal, does it signal something is wrong?
Thank you.  He is eating and drinking.

Answer
Hi Jared,

you'll probably have to answer me back with more info to really pin down what sound he is making.

Rabbits don't cry like we do.  Rabbits are known for the following sounds:

- a grunt - usually a nice way of saying 'no', 'back off', 'I don't like that'

- a whimper - prgenant females often do this when they think they are going to be picked up, or when rabbits think they may be in danger

- honking - usually intact males do this and circle your feet or a female bunny, they are saying 'I love you'.

- scream - a rabbit in mortal fear or death, or a dying rabbit.

- teeth grinding (a slight click to an almost light purring sound) - that they ae very happy and content.  Often heard when being pet by a favorite person.

- teeth crunching - very hard loud grinding of teeth - a rabbit that is in a lot of pain and needs vet care immediately.

- clucking - sounds like little hiccups (but they are not) - a rabbit that is extremely happy, extremely content.


Without knowing more about the context of why he's making the noise (ie does he do it when you pet him, or give him a small treat, etc?) I don't really know what crying is or what it means.  I would guess he's either clucking or whimpering.

If you can write back and tell me if it sounds more like one of the noises I've described above, and also the context when he makes the noise, I may be able to help pinpoint it better.

Thanks, Lee