In light of Rabbit Awareness Week, it’s important to be aware of the responsibility that comes with caring for a rabbit and why neutering your pet is the best way to set them up for happy and healthy life. Recent research shows that there are currently 67,000 rabbits in rescue centres in the UK waiting to be adopted, much of this figure being down to accidental pregnancies with unneutered rabbits. Choosing not to neuter your rabbit causes overpopulation, meaning so many litters struggle to find a loving home.

What is neutering?

Neutering a male rabbit means removing its testes, while the equivalent procedure in a female is called spaying – the removal of the reproductive organs.

Key benefits to neutering

There are several benefits to neutering your rabbits, both from a behavioural and a health point of view.

  • Neutering prevents accidental pregnancies, lessening overpopulation
  • Unneutered males tend to be aggressive towards other rabbits due to their inability to control their hormones
  • Neutered males are much happier and more relaxed, making them easier to care for
  • Up to 80% of un-neutered female rabbits develop uterine cancer by 5 years of age – Sadly, female rabbits are very likely to develop uterine (womb) cancers relatively early in life. They can also develop womb infections, or other cancers such as mammary (breast tissue) cancer. Neutering when young greatly reduces the chances of these occurring.
  • Female rabbits who are not spayed when young may have to undergo the operation in later life if a uterine infection or cancer develops, which can often be unsuccessful due to the health and age of the bunny
  • Unspayed females have repeated false pregnancies, which are very stressful and oftentimes leads to them pulling out their fur to make a nest
  • Neutering reduces the likelihood of fighting in both male and female rabbits, which allows rabbits, which are social animals, to be kept in friendly pairs or groups

When to neuter

  • Rabbits are usually neutered around four to five months old
  • Males can be neutered as early as 10-12 weeks, although your vet may want to wait a little longer than this, especially in small rabbits. This can be discussed with your vet, and will take into account the age and neutering status of any other rabbits.
  • Care should be taken with male rabbits once neutered – they can still be fertile for up to four weeks after neutering – so be sure to separate them from unneutered females for at least a month after their operation

If you need any further information or advice please visit our website, or check out the resources from RAAG. There is lots of support out there to ensure you are giving your rabbit the happiest and healthiest life.