Rabbit banging...........WHY????

[keepeverybodyhappy]

Hi all.
I've just been out in the garden (well, yard)
hanging out the washing and the rabbit has been intermittently banging his feet. I think he's doing it because he mostly has the yard to himself to roam around, but as he chews anything that stands still too long, I try to put him away when I'm out there doing things. I can understand this banging as frustration.
But WHY would he bang in the night when he has food/water/access to the yard?
I don't think he's having visits from other creatures, as when we come down to see if we can see why he's banging, we can't see anything out there and he continues to bang.......VERY LOUDLY!!
Any suggestions appreciated.

Banging their feet is usually sending a danger message. Perhaps he thinks you are a fox

Alouiseeg is right, he is alerting everyone to danger. Probably can smell a fox or other predator, even if you can't see it. It's normal behaviour, just ensure his hutch has somewhere he can go to 'hide' and that it's safe from predators (shiplap, weldmesh, sliding bolts, any run based on concrete so nothing can dig in) and he'll be ok. Might be worth thinking about getting him a friend (female, both neutered) or bringing him inside to live. They do better with company.

Thanks Alouiseg and spacedog. We have a very secure yard and hutch is safe, so have taken you last piece of advice!
Have posted a new "help" conversation re. our new purchase-advice appreciated!!

Mine does it if he's startled. Maybe let him know it's you when you go out.

Our rabbit thumps at the daftest things
He's a house rabbit so is in no danger but still does it
Some I can understand
Hubby sneezed , rabbit thumps
Hubby snores, rabbit thumps (wondeful restfull night that was )
but sometimes I'd swear he thumps as the sun has come up, it's a Tuesday, or he doesn't like DS new trousers

Think ours is just like yours ratspeaker......sometimes it's just because!!
At least I know he's safe and happy :)

My rabbit is as likely to thump when she's bored and wants company (usually in the middle of the night) as when she's been spooked / is displeased about something. I view the nighttime thumps as her calling her subjects to her. Since she's usually under my bed when she does it the only thing I can do is prostrate myself in front of her.....result!

M

So, it looks like I am the only one who sniggered at the thread title and thought 'Well, isn't that what rabbits are famous for??'

hi all,
sunday my parints let me get a loan rabbet.it has ben banging it foot every tine i come at it when im running. WHATTTT DOES IT MEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roxy

As others have answered, it's to warn others of dangers, if you are running towards a rabbit you're probably scaring it.

Best to start your own thread and not revive the zombies, oh, and your exclamation button needs fixing. HTH

Female rabbits especially can be very moody. If she lives alone she will feel more threatened.
Foot banging is rabbit speak for danger or I don't want you here.
Maybe if she had other rabbit company she would settle.
I used to have a bunny just the same. Eventually she ran away with wild bunnies.

Plus rats (I know yuk but they're everywhere) tend to feed at night and will try to get near rabbit feed. Rabbits hate rats and will thump when they are around.