Neutering/Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes a considerably large part of the animal’s reproductive organ. When rearing bunnies, it is necessary to neuter/spay them so that they can live together in pairs or in groups. The procedure prevents diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Is rabbit neutering procedure painful? During surgery, the rabbit is anaesthetised so it does not feel pain. After surgery, there may be some discomfort, but with pain management medication, the rabbit will not experience pain. In most cases, recovery lasts within a few days if there are no complications.
Neutering (male) and spaying (female) rabbits have several advantages. If you have a mixed-sex pair of rabbits, the procedure is necessary for their own welfare.
- Neutering helps reduce overpopulation in pets
Know that rabbits can produce many litters in a single year. In addition, females can become pregnant right after giving birth considering that they do not ‘go in heat’ like cats and dogs. Neutering addresses the issue of unwanted pregnancy and overpopulation.Animal shelters face homeless pet crisis including rabbits. Unwanted rabbits are usually left alone to fend for themselves in fields or city streets. They are then likely to suffer from diseases, malnourishment, and prone to accidents on the streets.
- Neutering helps reduce overpopulation in pets
- Neutering your rabbit is beneficial to health
Should male rabbits be neutered? Regardless of the gender, neutered rabbits have longer lives than the unneutered ones. About 80 to 85 per cent of unspayed females are likely to manifest reproductive cancer that involves breast, uterus, and ovaries. Although the risk is lesser in males, it is best to employ early preventive measures to lower the risk of cancer in their testes and prostate glands.
- Neutering your rabbit is beneficial to health
Further, rabbits kept in pairs are best reared neutered especially for mixed-sex genders. When kept unneutered, they are more likely to harm or fight one another. In other words, their years of survival are increased without the manifestation of sexual aggression.
- Neutering/Spaying your rabbit refines undesirable behaviours
Intact rabbits are more likely to exhibit unwanted hormone-induced behaviours, which include the following: - Territorial behaviours – as part of their natural instinct, they are inclined to mark their territory and possessions through spraying urine. This includes spraying on you as a handler in an attempt to display dominance.
- Being uncooperative with training including litter training.
- Aggressive behaviours such as biting, circling, lunging, and growling.
- Destructive behaviours such as chewing and digging.
Neutering/spaying procedure usually helps make litter training easier. They are less likely to display territorial behaviours and any other undesirable deeds if they are neutered/spayed.
- Better social interactions
Domesticated rabbits are sociable. When neutered, this helps them develop better temperament. They are calmer, more tolerant, and less aggressive towards their owners and other rabbits. With better behaviour comes better relationships. Your bunny will be easier to handle.
In a mixed-sex pair, if the male is not neutered and the female is spayed, the unaltered male will make multiple attempts to mount the female, which ends up in a fight. This can be stressful for both rabbits. If it is the other way around, the female rabbit may have repeated false pregnancies, which will possibly stimulate aggressive behaviours.
Myths
- Your rabbit will not become ‘fat and lazy’ after being neutered. What causes obesity in rabbits are lack of exercise and poor nutritional diet.
- Contrary to the statement, ‘A female should have one litter,’ not having litter can be a better option. It prevents or reduces the risk of certain health complications and stressful hormone-induced behaviour.
- These adorable rabbits may be tempting to acquire; however, it is important that the potential owner is knowledgeable in rearing rabbits as pets. Remember that there are other rabbits waiting for new homes in animal shelters.
Rabbit neutering cost
How much does it cost to get a rabbit neutered? The consultation is estimated at £30 upwards, whilst the procedure costs £80–£100. However, the costing may also vary in terms of the location, the gender of your rabbit, and veterinary practices. Remember that expertise does not rely on the most expensive vet clinics. Instead, consult a vet with a proven track record in neutering/spaying rabbits.
When is the right time to neuter/spay a rabbit?
A rabbit owner must first discuss neutering/spaying with a vet. The rabbit’s age and health condition are taken into account prior to surgery. Rabbits can be neutered as soon as they are sexually mature. At around four months of age, females may start to sexually mature whilst males’ testicles may descend in about three to half months of age. However, most vets would recommend waiting until they reach six months old.
Have you considered neutering/spaying your rabbit? Don’t forget to spread the word to other pet parents that you know!
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