The Benefits of Neutering Rabbits

If you don’t plan to breed your bunny, it is highly advisable to get them neutered/spayed. Why? It will extend your rabbits lifetime and reduce the risk of cancers (e.g. ovarian, uterine and mammarian). It will also balance their hormones, reduce aggression and the temptation to fight. Bonding neutered rabbits is much easier for this reason and they make much better companions. The benefits don’t stop there…

Neutering/spaying will reduce any potential behavioural issues.

Un-neutered bunnies spray, which can make their enclosure dirty and smelly, not to mention if you allow them to explore your home. They are also known for being more destructive with chewing and digging, plus more prone to showing signs of aggression such as biting and lunging. Neutered rabbits are known to be calmer and much more loving.

There is a problem with the overpopulation of rabbits.

Mistakes happen, pet shops are still uneducated and sell mixed breed rabbits, bunnies are partnered in mixed sex pairs and accidental litters occur. At Sevenoaks Bunnies and our fellow breeder friends, we stick to a strong ethos. Our goals revolve around bettering the breed and improving our lines. We find responsible homes for our available rabbits and we don’t excessively breed our bunnies. When our bunnies retire from breeding they are neutered/spayed and bonded to a partner. It is best to do this straight away with any pet bunnies.

The procedure is safe.

The surgery can be as safe on rabbits as it is on most pets. Check if your vet has experience with rabbits, if they are not comfortable with the procedure they can recommend an exotic vet. Females can be spayed around 6 months old and males can be neutered even sooner than that.

It’s recommended that you don’t spay/neuter a rabbit older than 6 years old, but check with your vet for advice on this. It is always a good idea to give your bunny a thorough health check when you get their annual vaccinations done. A good vet will be able to discuss the benefits and risks with you at length then.

Check in with your vet to discuss all pre and post-op care you’ll need to provide your rabbit.