Reasons to Spay or Neuter

Spaying and Neutering your rabbit is the single most responsible thing you can do for your rabbit and is universally agreed upon by rescues, shelters, and other professionals as a necessary surgery.

There are many reasons to spay or neuter your bunny.

• Behavior problems: It is normal for unfixed rabbits to bite, spray urine, hump everything that moves, chew up your carpet and furniture, growl, grunt, refuse to litter train, lunge at you, and otherwise behave in ways you may consider unacceptable.
• Cancer: Both male and female rabbits develop painful, lethal cancers that can surface with no warnings and symptoms. Waiting until there is a problem is waiting too long. Often rabbits die of reproductive cancers without showing a single symptom.
• Reproduction: Unfixed rabbits can and will reproduce prolifically. They can have as many as 15 babies, every 31 days.
• Aggression: Unfixed rabbits are frequently aggressive, especially females. They often bite, growl, snarl and lunge. This especially common in females who are experiencing discomfort due to uterine infections, pyometra, and uterine cancers.
• Smell: Unfixed rabbits smell awful! If odor is a problem, get your bunny spayed or neutered. You might also consider changing the litter to a paper-based brand such as Carefresh, Yesterday's News or Exquisicat.
• Allergies: Recent research has shown that in both cats and rabbits, allergens (the dried saliva on the fur) that people tend to have allergic reactions to is significantly reduced in spayed and neutered animals.
• Happiness: Rabbits absolutely love company, and bonded rabbits tend to live longer and be happier. However, unfixed rabbits fight! In order to bond your bunnies, both must be fixed.

When to Spay or Neuter

If your rabbit is older than 12 weeks old and less than 10 years old, you should spay or neuter it right away.

• Male rabbits can be neutered as soon as their testicles drop.
• Female rabbits should be spayed between 4-6 months of age. Please note that they are induced ovulators and do not go into heat. Don't take any chances - it is never safe to leave an unfixed female with an unfixed male.
• It is recommended to do pre-surgical blood work on rabbits over 6 years of age to determine that anesthesia will be safe and effective.

There is excellent information on Qrabbit.com that covers all aspects of spaying and neutering your rabbit, including preparing for surgery, the surgical procedure itself, and caring for your bunny after surgery.