Should I still get him fixed?

[Madalynster]

Hi Guys,

So Charlie and Desmond get along great. Desmond is fixed, Charlie is not. Should i still get him fixed, I mean I would if he was spraying or being territorial, but if anything Desmond is somewhat the dominate bunny.

??

 

[gmas rabbit]

Health wise it still a good idea to have him fixed. Cuts down on the incidence of cancer. I would do it.

 

[Watermelons]

Even though their getting along now, the hormones can still cause problems, nevermind the health issues that could arise because he's not fixed.

Best thing to do would be ensure they are both fixed.

 

[Madalynster]

Okay yeah he's only about 14 weeks old right now. Financially I would like to wait but isn't 14-16 months about the time they should be fixed? And then after he's fixed, don't I have to keep them completely separated for like a week? Oh my poor buns, it should probably be done though huh?

 

[Watermelons]

Madalynster wrote:

Okay yeah he's only about 14 weeks old right now. Financially I would like to wait but isn't 14-16 months about the time they should be fixed? And then after he's fixed, don't I have to keep them completely separated for like a week? Oh my poor buns, it should probably be done though huh?

As soon as his little balls drop, he can be neutered. The prefferd time by vets is around 6 months, but it can be done earlier if the vet is comfortable.
For boys its not as bad, keep them seperate (side by side) for just a few days (2-3) then they can go back together but kept confined and quiet for the rest of the 2 week healing process.

 

[MiniLopHop]

I just had my boy done and he's 6 months. He was already bonded with my spayed female. I took her to the vets with him so she could be a comfort to him and help keep him warm after the procedure. The vet was totally cool with the moral support idea. Gary is now recovering a few days in a playpen with Becky. They relax all snuggled together.

In my opinion, once buns are bonded they should never be seperated for any reason, even a short vet visit. Where one goes, so does the other. It's too stressful for them to be away from their mates. Plus, if their smell changes, which is likely after being at the vet, the buns may not recognise each other and could fight. Bonding is too stressful to do more than once.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

He is still young, so hormones would not be much of an issue yet. However, once he gets a bit older (4-6 months), everything can change. Even if they are not fighting, hormones can still be an issue. Humping can annoy one rabbit and they could start to get nippy. The hormones and smells from the intact one could arouse the neutered one (more if the intact one if female, but could still be an issue with a male).

Vets can do a neuter once the testicles descend. While it can be done earlier, it is more invasive and can be more expensive. Most of the time it can happen around 4-6 months. There is no upper age limit as long as the rabbit is healthy.

 

[Madalynster]

^^^ Oh thanks for the advice everyone. I will most definitely bring Desmond with when charlie goes to the vet. My vet loves my buns and will be so happy to see they are bonded

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Our vet says between 4 to 6 months, but can be done away with as soon as they drop. Soonest is best in order to head off any problems.