Neutering problem

[Samra]

Hi
I have a male bunny almost 5 months now. I bought him when he was 2 months and was initially very sober but now things have changed.
He runs to our sofa and poops there. We have tried to teach him by putting him back in his cage immediately for some time but he never changes this habbit. He has realized that we don't approve this habbit so now he just quickly jumps to the sofa and poops while running in a short trip. We have tried putting plastic cover on the sofa so he cannot walk there but he does. Now he has started spraying. When we come back home , we let him in (he stays outside when we are not home) but he does he same thing. And now he has started to spray on my kids which i can't bear. When we pat him with affection ,he licks initially and then bites and sprays and runs in circles around us. He is getting very aggressive and territorial i guess. Is this all because of hormones? Poor bunny has to stay outside mostly for this reason. I have decided to get him neutered but its over priced here in Sydney. It costs around $300. Any one can help me with his behaviour or provide some info about places around Sydney from where i can get him neutered with a reasonable fee?
Thanks in advance

 

[Blue eyes]

The sooner you are able to get him neutered, the less likely those hormonal behaviors will become ingrained. It is a bummer that it is so costly there.

The neutering should help tremendously with most of those behaviors. But even neutered, it should be noted that rabbits like to mark their territory with stray poos. In fact the occasional stray poos are to be expected -- even with a litter trained rabbit.

In your case, though, if bunny lives outside and is then occasionally brought inside, that could explain why he feels the need to mark that inside territory. It is "new" to him each time he is brought inside.

Maybe after he's neutered (well... it can take up to about 6 weeks post neuter for hormones to fully dissipate) he may be able to live indoors.

Take a peek here if you'd like to see ways to house a rabbit indoors in a way that is do-able.

 

[JBun]

Just remember the poor little guy really can't help himself. Most of the behavior you mention is hormones and sexual frustration. Male bunnies can have such strong hormonal instincts driving them that they can't be diverted or even really think of anything else. There's a reason there's a saying about 'breeding like rabbits'. You might also have him trying to establish his place as top bunny.

Most of that behavior will disappear by 4 weeks post neuter, but just be prepared for the possibility of the couch continuing to be an issue. Many rabbits find it irresistible to not contribute their scent to the couch, neutered or not. Someone mentioned in another thread, putting a litter box or one of the rabbits own blankets up there since that has their scent already and can help alleviate their need to remark the couch.

I would just call around to the different rabbit vets to get their prices. You want a vet that has plenty of experience with rabbits. The best won't always necessarily be the most expensive. You may also be able to find a low cost spay and neuter clinic that does rabbits as well. You just want to check and make sure their vet has plenty of experience with rabbits.
http://rabbitvet.net/AustralianRabbitVets.htm

 

[jess24rose]

The reason its more expensive is because Australian dollars a worth less than American one so its gonna feel more expensive I live in Melbourne and its expensive here too