Age to get rabbits neutered?

CiaraPatricia · Mar 14, 2010

Just wondering, what is a good age to get rabbits neutered at?

Just because if mine is pregnant, I want to tell the new owners what age, if they ask. I don't want to look like I don't know what I'm doing

And if they want to keep two brothers, when should they be neutered? Will they be ok together until they're neutered?

Same for two sisters, or a brother and sister? Is that possible, to keep a brother and sister together and get at least the male neutered before they're old enough to breed?

Thanks

CiaraPatricia · Mar 14, 2010

Oh, and sorry for asking loads of questions, but I googled it and found people said all different ages, and my rabbit book doesn't specifically say. Thanks

Happi Bun · Mar 14, 2010

Just wondering, what is a good age to get rabbits neutered at?

Females sexually mature at around 4 months of age, but to make the surgery safer it's recommended to wait until about 6 months. For males you can neuter when the testicles descend which is usually at around 3 months of age, but again some people wait a few months longer.

And if they want to keep two brothers, when should they be neutered? Will they be ok together until they're neutered?

See above.

They should be fine until then, however sometimes the surgery can cause a bonded pair to part ways. Not always the case, but it is possible. With two males you could take them together to be neutered because there is no risk of pregnancy, this should greatly reduce the chance of un-bonding.

Same for two sisters, or a brother and sister? Is that possible, to keep a brother and sister together and get at least the male neutered before they're old enough to breed?

Yep, same with two sisters. Brother and Sister are trickier because there is the possibility of of the male getting the female pregnant before they reach a safe age to be fixed.

Hope this helps! :wave:

CiaraPatricia · Mar 14, 2010

Thanks

elrohwen · Mar 14, 2010

I wanted to add that once bunnies reach puberty, it is unlikely that they will remain bonded unless they are fixed. Unfixed males and females can be quite aggressive and territorial with other buns. If you are going to give someone a pair of buns, make sure you tell them this because so many new bunny owners are shocked when their sweet buns start fighting around 5 months of age.

After the surgery, they would have to be re-bonded, which can be a tough process for new bunny owners. Just make sure you're upfront with this information so that new owners know what to expect.

Maureen Las · Mar 14, 2010

elrohwen wrote:

I wanted to add that once bunnies reach puberty, it is unlikely that they will remain bonded unless they are fixed. Unfixed males and females can be quite aggressive and territorial with other buns. If you are going to give someone a pair of buns, make sure you tell them this because so many new bunny owners are shocked when their sweet buns start fighting around 5 months of age.

After the surgery, they would have to be re-bonded, which can be a tough process for new bunny owners. Just make sure you're upfront with this information so that new owners know what to expect.

Good info ; this is correct