All4Pets Rabbit Neutering

Rabbit Neutering

Neutering of both male and female rabbits is strongly recommended unless you wish to breed from your pet. Rabbits become sexually mature between 4 months (in smaller breeds) and 6 to 9 months (in larger breeds). It is recommended that young rabbits are separated into single sex groups at 4months of age.

When to castrate male rabbits

Breeding is prevented by castration of male rabbits at about 5-6 months of age (once the testicles have descended).

When to spay female rabbits

Female rabbits should be spayed at around six months old.

Benefits of neutering rabbits

Intact males are more prone to developing behavioural problems including fighting, biting and urine spraying. The urine may also become strong smelling.

Having your female rabbit spayed at between six months and two years’ old dramatically decreases the chance of her developing uterine tumours later on in life. In some breeds the incidence of this cancer is over 80% in female rabbits aka does over five years of age.

Side effects of neutering

Neutered rabbits are more prone to obesity as they grow older, so care must be taken not to allow overeating.