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Neutering Rabbits

There are benefits to neutering both male and female rabbits. In males neutering is called castration and the testes are removed, in females neutering is called spaying and involves removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Both male and females can be neutered from 4-5 months of age.

Why should I get my rabbit neutered?

• Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies. Hundreds of rabbits are being left at rescue homes every year due to over-population.

• Neutered rabbits are much easier to litter train

• Neutered rabbits are less aggressive to humans and other rabbits

• Neutered rabbits are less destructive (less chewing and digging)

• Neutered rabbits are less territorial

• Neutering can help prevent urine spraying in both males and females

• Neutering can prevent false pregnancies in females

• Neutering can increase life expectancy as many females die from cancer of the uterus. According to the Rabbit Welfare Fund ‘up to 80% of unspayed females develop uterine cancer by 5 years old’

• Rabbits are social creatures and wherever possible they should not be kept on their own. Neutering will help your rabbits get on better with each other.

• Neutered rabbits make better pets and are ‘calmer and more loving’ according to the House Rabbit Society.

Is the anaesthetic safe?

Veterinary surgeons were once reluctant to neuter rabbits because of the safety of anaesthetics, however modern anaesthetics are much more reliable (although there is a risk with any surgery). If the correct anaesthetic is used then rabbits should recover quickly.

Rabbits should not be starved before surgery and should start eating again after surgery by the following day.