Spaying and Neutering
Should I have my rabbit fixed?
Whether or not you want to have your rabbit fixed is a decision that is totally up to you, although it is highly reccomended. There are a few factors that you will want to consider before getting your rabbit fixed:
- Is my rabbit aggressive? (Agression is usually a behavioral display that rabbits have shortly after sexual maturity which occors at about 3-4 months of age.)
- Does my rabbit display a lot of sexual behaviors? (Humping, mounting, etc.)
- Am I going to get another rabbit in the future? (Same-gender pairs, although not reccommended, will get along better if both rabbits are fixed; opposite sex pairs should be fixed to avoid litters every 28 days)
- Does my rabbit have any health issues? (Some health issues will keep certain vets from performing the surgery)
- Do I have the money to have my rabbit fixed? (Spaying/neutering ranges in cost from $80-400 or more)
What are the benefits?
If you have a male rabbit, neutering will be beneficial by:
If you have a female, spaying will be beneficial because:
You should definitely get your rabbit fixed if:
You may not need to have your rabbit fixed if:
- removing agressive behaviors that started after sexual maturity
- making urine less pungent
- reducing risk of testicular cancers, swelling, and diseases (extending lifespan)
- removing sexual behaviors
- stopping your rabbit from "spraying" (male rabbits are known to spray their pee when they become excited or are binkying; this could ruin nearby furniture or floors if the rabbit is kept inside.)
If you have a female, spaying will be beneficial because:
- It removes agressive behaviors (which are worse and more common in does)
- Removes sexual behaviors
- reduces risk of a common and deadly uterine cancer (studies show that 85% of all female rabbits will develop this deadly uterine cancer by the age of 4) drastically extending lifespan.
You should definitely get your rabbit fixed if:
- You experience agressive behavior from your rabbit
- If your [male] rabbit sprays pee
- If your rabbit displays too many sexual behaviors such as humping or mounting.
- If you ever plan to get another rabbit (bonded pairs are best if they are opposite sex pairs- not getting the rabbits both fixed will cause them to have litters every 28-32 days. Same-sex pairs don't often get along, but if they do, both rabbits should be fixed).
You may not need to have your rabbit fixed if:
- Your rabbit has a health condition that prevents a vet from wanting to perform surgery
- You do not plan on getting another rabbit
- Your rabbit does not display aggression, spraying [if male], or sexual behaviors after age 4 months
Why is it so highly suggested that I get my rabbit fixed?
As you've read, spaying and neutering has many health and behavioral benefits. Studies show that fixing your rabbit extends his life, makes him healthier, and improves his behavior drastically. Fixing your rabbit prevents cancers, diseases, and swelling of the genitalia. It also prevents opposite-sex pairs from having litters every 28-32 days. Spaying and neutering will prevent same-sex pairs from fighting as much, but will not ensure that they will get along.
I heard spaying and neutering are dangerous procedures for rabbits?
Spays and neuters are extremely routine in vet medicine. They are common and very simple. The key when having your rabbit fixed is making sure that you're choosing a reputable vet or clinic. Personally, I believe looking into specialist Spay/Neuter clinics is safer because spay and neuter is all that is done at such clinics. Some vets that aren't so knowledgable may try to attempt these procedures even if they're not sure what they're doing. Always look at online reviews about the clinic or vet and see what other people's experiences have been like at that particular establishment. Don't be afraid to ask questions and state concerns. If they're a reputable establishment, they will put your mind at ease about this surgery.