Is he neutered? He can’t understand you when you talk lol.

You should probably switch to timothy hay.

I would get him neutered either way. It stops them from spraying, and it makes them MUCH gentler and easier to handle.
If he is still growing, keep him on alfalfa, but if not switch to timothy or another grass hay. He probably got scared of the loud noise that you squeaked.

I taught my bunnies “get out of there”. When they went somewhere they aren’t supposed to be (under the couch), I gently pushed them out and said “get out of there”. The now go out on their own, but I give them a treat afterwards, so they’ll go next time.

The whistle you heard could be a sign of distress; apparently some buns do this when annoyed, stressed, or scared. You should monitor, though, for runny nose/discharge and/or discharge from the eyes, as this could be a sign of a “cold” or infection.

I second the notion that you should get him neutered — male rabbits in particular have a propensity to spray urine whilst running to mark territory, belongings, and even you! It will help his overall health and behavior as well.

As far as talking to the bunny, well — I do that too! Because he’s your pet or animal companion, and talking to your companions is normal. Just remember, you know, that he doesn’t speak English or any other human language. He speaks rabbit, of course! Those squeals you’re making are good and seem to be working; that’s rabbit for “ouch!”, so that’s good.

I talk to my bunnies all the time. We’ve had “pee pee goes in the potty” talks, “no biting” talks, etc. Mine seem to understand “no” (although they do sometimes go right back to whatever it was as soon as I turn my back) and Kieko understands “get down” (she has almost fallen out of her condo being nosey when I’m dishing up dinner so now when I say “get down” she gets down!). I’d say talking to them (it’s more tone than anything) and re-directing them like a teacher would do is great!

Our dog had a huge vocabulary and knew what “get out of the kitchen”, benadryl, DirtyDogs (pet wash), squirrel, “go pee” “go poop”, etc. all meant. She would also play hide and seek with dog treats and would respond correctly to “cold”, “warm”, and “hot” when giving hints to where the treat was hidden. I believe that if a dog can do that, a bunny can be taught what certain words mean (they’re pretty smart, just alot more stubborn than most dogs!).

Edit: I’m sure some would say I imagined it or that it was coincidence, but I swear I had a “conversation” with Marlee one day about her being angry about something — it ended with me telling her to “get over it” and her thumping at me and giving me the butt. Either that bunny knew what I was saying or it was a mighty big coincidence that *every one* of her thumps was perfectly timed!

How far away is your vacation? I would just leave him home, have a neighbor or friend feed him and check up on him. It’s only 2 days and not worth all the stress.

The squeaking never worked for Lola either. I ended up gently pushing her away from me which helped but didn’t cure it. After she was spayed it all but stopped. Now she only nips if I am in her way or not giving her my undivided attention when she wants it. When she does nip now it’s very light. She does get me sometimes if I am handing out craisins and she thinks Strawberry is getting her share but I think that’s another issue altogether!

I also talk to my furbies all the time! The dogs usually just ignore me but I swear the buns are listening. The way they watch me talk to them it’s like they are studying the language so that one day they can make their demands verbally! 

If your only going away for 2 days, that’s a long drive for bunny. Is there someone you can have stop by and feed and check on him twice a day?

I have no doubts that all our buns understand They are so smart…my buns amaze me everyday!