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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum BEHAVIOR Bunny grinding teeth loudly, but eating plenty of hay

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    • Snowleopard
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        Hi! I have two new adopted bunnies (in addition to my other two!) as of yesterday. They’re great bay eaters, but I’ve noticed Bluebell grinds her teeth very loudly. She’s eating well and drinking, but I was a bit worried how loud it was. I know bunnies can tooth purr, but this doesn’t sound like it. She doesn’t seem in any discomfort (just did a massive bunny flop) and she was given a clean bill of health by the vet at her previous rescue centre, but should I be worried about her grinding her teeth so loudly?


      • Wick & Fable
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          As you mentioned teeth grinding is usually a sign of discomfort or pain. Did the vet thoroughly look into your rabbits mouth when doing the exam? I know Wick’s vet could not get a clear look without putting him under, but the indications of overgrown molars was still visible at a conscious glance.

          The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.


        • Snowleopard
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            As far as I know, the vet did; she and her husbun were from a bunny rescue centre, their quality of care was very high and they were looked after by a wonderful, experienced foster bunny owner who doesn’t let bunnies go to their new homes unless they’re 100% healthy, their vet was an exotic pet specialist, so I can’t imagine dental problems would have gone unnoticed? Is it possible to have tooth grinding without it meaning pain and still have a healthy bun?


          • BanditCamp
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              Question, is the grinding while they are chewing/eating or when they are lounging about?

              If the noise is coming from them while they are actively eating hay/chewing cardboard etc then most likely they are healthily grinding down their teeth and molars as intended. if they are just lounging and chewing air and clicking their teeth loudly then it might be a medical concern. Also if there chewing while you are petting them that is a tooth purr and means they are happy/content. My rabbit sounds like a chainsaw when hes eating hay and pellets. when hes lounging and sleeping he might click his teeth now and then softly but nothing alarming that I can hear from far away and when hes being petted he clicks softly.


            • sarahthegemini
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                Some bunnies are just louder than others. My two grind loudly sometimes but show no signs of discomfort (they bunny loaf, flop, eat, drink, move about etc) so I don’t worry. Both of mine have been vet checked, including their teeth and all is fine.


              • Snowleopard
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                  Thanks everyone! Bandit, it’s a bit of both actually, though it’s definitely not constant. I just realised it seems to start when I sit next to her, as she only arrived yesterday I’m thinking maybe she’s scared of me? As soon as back away it seems to stop. So maybe I just need to keep my distance until she’s settled in. She’s bunny flopped a lot this afternoon and is stretched out in quite a relaxed position, no hunching or tenseness and has eaten well.


                • BanditCamp
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                    If it’s an approach thing it might be content try petting her it’s not a warning sign.


                  • skysblue
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                      my bun is pretty loud too, but she’s had it since she was a baby, otherwise i’d be worry too if i didn’t know.
                      as long as your bun is still eating hay, then i think it should be fine


                    • Bam
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                        Bunnies tooth grind when they are very relaxed and content. Young buns do it spontaneously, adult buns more when they are being pet. The sound can be loud and heard from yards’ distance or it can be very soft and almost inaudible, you just feel it like a vibration when you pet the bun’s head. My Bam can tooth purr very loudly esp when my mother pets him. He likes to lie in her lap and doze off and be pet, so his def not in any type of pain!

                        A bunny in severe pain can also grind or chop its teeth. It’s never an only sign of pain though. The bun isn’t flopping or lounging, but sits hunched up or shifts position restlessly, unable to find a comfortable position. The bun has a low appetite or none at all. It doesn’t want to interact.

                        TLDR: I think your bun is tooth purring happily.


                      • Snowleopard
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                          Thanks for your reassurance everyone! Bam, ah, that’s so good to hear, she’s definitely bunny flopping and seems content and eating hay like a champ. I also spoke to their rescue owner and she said their teeth were definitely checked and given the all clear.

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                      Forum BEHAVIOR Bunny grinding teeth loudly, but eating plenty of hay