Why Do Rabbits Thump?

The main reason a rabbit thumps comes down to them being a prey species. In the wild, rabbits have several predators, so they always need to be alert and watch out for dangers. Thumping is a way of communicating with others around them that there might be a threat about and everyone needs to be aware.

Thumping doesn’t only happen when they’re scared, it can be a way of communicating several different things. There may be a more playful reason behind their stomping, or they could be agitated about something else. It’s only when you take in the environment of their thumping to understanding what they’re trying to tell you.

Many owners will hear their rabbits thumping in the hutch and they might not even be nearby. Thumping when they’re shut away can often be a sign that they’re frustrated and potentially bored. They may be demanding your attention, or they might want some time out of their hutch.

It’s important to give your four-legged friends a chance to run around and stretch their legs, be that in a run or inside the house. They should have lots of different things to do to keep them busy.

When they’re shut away in the hutch, instead of just having their hay bedding, their home should be big enough to contain some toys and enrichment to keep them busy. They need things to chew on and enjoy interacting with toys in their hutch. Toys like the Wooden Rattler Triangle Toy or the Happy Pet Willow Ball can keep them from getting frustrated when they’re not able to come out and play because they have different things to explore. Even making them enrichment like folding treats inside the middle of the tubes from toilet roll can keep them entertained for some time.

Giving your bunny plenty to do while you can’t be with them can help with making them feel less agitated in the hutch.

It’s important to look at their body language and the situation when trying to work out why your rabbit is thumping because the reasons can give very different emotions.

Bunnies don’t only thump when they’re scared or frustrated but they can also thump when they’re feeling silly and playful. If their ears are flat against their head or upright but turned away, then they’re likely feeling a little bit stressed. A confident rabbit will have their ears upright and facing towards you.

If they look confident and happy and thump their foot, then they’re likely trying to communicate their excitement with you. A playful foot thump will usually be followed by a little run-around and some happy hopping. When a rabbit is carefree and having fun, they will bounce extra high while they’re running around. They might even thump their foot after a particularly good scratch or treat before having a case of the zoomies! It’s important to take the picture so you don’t mistake your bunny having a great time for one that is stressed.

Rabbits will often thump at night to get your attention. They may be trying to tell you they need more hay, or their water bottle is empty so you should always check everything over if they seem to be causing a fuss. If the hutch is outside at night and you hear thumping, this could indicate that they’re worried about something.

There’s a surprising amount of activity at night when foxes, badgers and other wildlife might visit your garden which can cause some distress for your four-legged friends. Thumping their feet can either alert you to any dangers or even scare off some predators.

Thumping is a useful signal your beloved pet can use to communicate with you so it’s never a bad thing that they’re doing it.

In fact, it’s the opposite when they’re having a playful thump. It’s only concerning when your fluffy friend does it a lot which is when you should start working out how to help them out.

To prevent your rabbit from thumping, you must minimise stressors that can cause them to do that. Sometimes it may mean covering their hutch or run, so they can’t worry about things flying overhead. They may be caught in a draught or be finding it difficult to get out of the sun. When your bunny thumps, you must look at the situation to work out why they’re doing it. If you solve the issue, then you solve the thumping.

It may be a small fix like just giving them more time outside of the hutch with you or giving them more things to do to keep them occupied in their hutch, but you won’t be able to prevent it without first understanding the cause.

For everything you need to keep your rabbit feeling safe and secure in their hutch and all of your other bunny essentials, take a look at our wide selection in-store and online.