teeth chattering?

[LaraS]

Hi, this is my first post here – too bad it has to be about a possibly bad thing…

I guess that I need to know a little more about what bunnies’ teeth chattering is like, because I’m not sure if that is what my baby is doing or not. How loud is it – can you only hear it if you are right next to them/holding them? Or can you hear it a few feet away or across the room? How long will it last for – is it continuous, or does it only last for a short moment at a time?

I’m just not sure if that is what she is doing or not… any information would be greatly appreciated!

[BinkyBunny]

WELCOME JELLEAUX!  Well, I’m sorry that your post may be of concern! Teeth chattering can be a good OR bad thing.

GOOD/PURRING:  Soft chattering that you usually see more than you hear.  Usually happens when you are petting them. Usually just short little frequent bouts as they enjoy affection.

BAD/PAIN:  A louder chatter is usually more consistent, and the chattering goes on for longer bouts. Sometimes you can hear it from a few feet away, while others you have to sit close.  This usually is happening without being pet and many times a bunny will be hunched up.   If this is happening, a bunny will most likely not eat and their digestive system can shut down.  Many times it’s due to serious case of gas or other serious digestive issues, an internal injury or some other medical problem

IF you think your bunny is chattering from pain, I advise you to call a vet ASAP!  When a bunny is in pain, their digestive tract can shut down, and/or they can go into shock due to pain.   And if their digesetive system shuts down, they can actually die within 24 hours.

So, I really don’t want to scare you, but these questions do concern me….  : (

What is she doing exactly?  And is she eating anything, and has she pooped?  Is she acting normal, or she hunched up or lethargic?     IF she won’t eat and/or she’s hunched up or lethargic, please see a vet asap.

Please keep us updated.

[Spacehopper]

And I cannot stress enough about going to the vet if you have ANY concerns.  Even if your partner or whoever tells you you’re being stupid and your babybun is fine, ONLY YOU KNOW!!!    Brian lost an awful lot of weight through his humungous shedding recently, and couldn’t poop or pee, tho he was eating LOTS.  He always sits a bit hunched up duck-like and ALWAYS chatters and grinds his teeth when you rub his head, so it it can often be very hard to tell pain or pleasure.  But he was more hunched up than usual and just didnt look right, and he would be grinding his teeth loudly whilst he was sat alone (only stopping when i massaged his tummy).  Seems he had been swallowing far too much of his fur and was a bit bunged up.  Plenty of parsley, and a dose of whatever the vet administered (tho he soon became wise to my ploys of the treats i was giving it to him in), but PLENTY of parsley and he’s pooping like a trooper again. 

You’ll soon get used to your bun’s noises, and behaviour, and will soon be relaxing your beloved bun with head rubs & ear flaps – amidst the VERY audible teeth crunching and purring and cute little juddering teeth chatters.  But if in doubt, check it out.

[MooBunnay]

Hello Jelleaux!!

Have you been hearing your bun chatter a lot? Can you describe what you are hearing – or what your bunny is doing when you hear this noise?

I would second the recommendation to take him to the vet if this is a noise that you can hear from a few feet away – as from all the happy tooth purrs I’ve heard – I have not ever been able to hear one from a few feet away.

Try to the describing the noise for us – maybe its not teeth chattering but something else!

[LaraS]

Okay… I think I’m just being a paranoid bunny mommy! I can only hear it if I’m right next to her – really only when I’m holding her, as she likes to jump up onto my chest to be petted and climb up to nestle her head on my shoulder/neck – and it’s a very soft sound that only lasts for a second or two. Like her teeth clicking together a few times. I just haven’t heard her do it before. She’s still eating and pooping and acting just as perky, so I guess I’m getting worried over nothing really? (I hope so!)

[BinkyBunny]

Well from your last description, it sounds like she’s purring. Bunnies can also chatter when they have anxiety. Like when I take Rucy to the vet, she chatters. When I asked Dr. Harvey about it, she said rabbits will also do this when they’re anxiety ridden.

SO either she’s happy to be held, or she’s nervous as heck, but since she’s approaching you and nestling her head on your neck, then it seems to me that she’s just purring.

If that’s the case then WHEW! Good news.

[LaraS]

Yay! I am so relieved… and a bit embarrassed for overreacting. But better safe than sorry, eh?

Thanks guys!

[Gravehearted]

it’s always better to ask, so never feel embarrassed for being concerned

[grumpytilly]

I know this is an old thread but was hoping someone might know….

I’ve read all of the information given, thank you very much you are all so informative. I was just wondering if people knew if bunnies chatter when it’s hot?
It’s been a pretty hot day here and I often hear what I think is them purring (because it isn’t loud) but both of my bun are now chattering very loudly. I guess it’s possible they are just uncomfortable with the heat; I have brought them inside. But my mini lop is still doing it, every 30 minutes or so.

So, does anyone know if they do it when just feeling uncomfortable? Thanks

[Bam]

Start a new thread, grumpytilly! This thread is so old and you are recommended to not use old threads, on some forums the recommendation is the exact opposite but here on BB, old subjects gets “renewed” by the creation of new threads =).

I have no answer for you. Mine have never teeth-chattered due to heat but it’s never been very hot here.

[Sarita]

Yes, please start a new thread – going to lock this one.

[Author]

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