Purring?
Bunnies purr by gently rubbing their teeth together when they are being stroked. It is to let you know that they are enjoying the affection and is contented. Purring is a way to show that your rabbit is fully invested in your affection, it trusts you and is very happy.
The purr is a very soft sound and can only be heard when you are very close to your bunny.
If you reply with clicking your molar teeth, your bunny will reply to you. In bunny language, that means you are happy too.
How do they do it?
A bunny purr is made of light, rapid crunches of their molar teeth which creates a vibration in the jaw and simultaneously raises their whiskers.
I’m safe with you
If your bunny feels safe, its eyes will be half-closed and it’s mouth will move side to side while it purrs.
When you are holding your bunny, you can initiate the purr, by clicking your molars together three times, then pause for 5 seconds and repeat. After a while the bunny may respond. Purring this way tells the bunny that you are content and happy.
When you get a new bunny, it’s a good idea to give it a cuddle and purr. The bunny will start to feel safe with you and settle down.
Teeth grinding?
Grinding is when a rabbit rolls their teeth, just like purring, but constantly. The grinding can also be more of a chatter, just like when we are cold and our teeth shiver. Chattering can turn into grinding. If this happens, your bunny is in pain.
Grinding and chattering are clear signals that something is wrong with your rabbit and it is in pain.
What causes grinding or chattering?
Any physical trauma can cause pain to your rabbit. They have delicate bones. If they are dropped, or fall from a height, they will suffer a painful injury or even broken bones.
Surgery like spay or neutering can be uncomfortable and distressing for the rabbit. The bun may grind teeth for a couple of days.
Arthritis and joint pain comes with age, and your buns limbs may hurt every time it moves. Watch out for warning signs.
Rabbits teeth grow all the time. Dental pain is a big issue when bunnies can’t wear their teeth down on fibrous foods like hay. Gum disease is another cause of dental pain in bunnies.
GI stasis is a huge problem with bunnies. It could be caused by a blockage, or simply an environmental stressor. It can cause severe pain if left untreated. It can also cause death if the bunny hasn’t eaten within 24 hours.