Neutering rabbits

Spaying Female rabbits

There are several reasons to spay female rabbits:

Avoid unwanted offspring…
Rabbits are animals that reproduce very quickly. It only takes a few months for them to reach sexual maturity and females are able to reach estrus multiple times per year; meaning they can have several litters in one year, each litter containing anywhere from 2-12 kits (depending on the breed).

Therapeutic purposes…

In cases of uterine inflammation (metritis), other uterine abnormalities, or abnormal ovarian lesions it is necessary to perform a spay surgery for therapeutic purposes.

In case of spaying, owners should know:

Female rabbits can be spayed as soon as they reach sexual maturity, around 4 months of age, but generally veterinarians wait until around 6 months of age. Abdominal surgery is performed under general anesthesia. For anatomical reasons, rabbits cannot vomit, so fasting is not required before surgery. The abdominal incision is closed in layers and the sutures will need to be removed after one week. Until suture removal, a protective collar should be used to prevent would licking.

Neutering Male Rabbits

There are several reasons to neuter male rabbits:

Avoid unwanted offspring…
Rabbits are animals that reproduce very quickly. It only takes a few months for them to reach sexual maturity and females are able to reach estrus multiple times per year; meaning they can have several litters in one year, each litter containing anywhere from 2-12 kits (depending on the breed).

Aggressive behaviour between other males…

Intact male rabbits who are kept together are aggressive and fight regularly.

In case of neutering, owners should know:
Neutering is done under general anesthesia. For anatomical reasons, rabbits cannot vomit, so fasting is not required before surgery. During the operation, the testicles are removed.

Maintenance Tips for Rodents