Rabbit Spay Near Me? The 25 Correct Answer

House rabbits have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, but how long do unneutered rabbits live?

The average pet rabbit has a lifespan of 4 to 7 if left unpaid. Research shows that female rabbits who remain intact have an 80% chance of developing uterine cancer by the age of four, shortening their life expectancy significantly.

Since we all want our furry family members to live well into their golden years, neutering your rabbit can add many happy years to their lives.

They also make better pets, becoming less aggressive and easier to handle.

But as a caring pet parent, you may have concerns about your rabbit going through this procedure.

Here I give you all the facts on how neutering your rabbit can help him live the best life possible.

What is neutering?

Castration is a surgical procedure in which a female animal’s ovaries and uterus are completely removed so that she can no longer reproduce. The technical term is ovariohysterectomy.

Why should I have my female rabbit spayed?

Neutering your female rabbit will increase her life expectancy and improve her overall well-being and health.

The main reason for spaying is to reduce the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer and other uterine diseases such as pyometra (inflammation of the womb) which is unfortunately seen in many unmodified rabbits. (Source)

Second, rabbits often exhibit aggressive behavior toward other rabbits and their owners once they reach sexual maturity.

A once cute and cuddly baby bunny rabbit can suddenly be difficult to pick up and handle. Think of a child growing into a hormonal teenager and you get the idea!

Neutered rabbits are much friendlier and affectionate towards their pet parents and can live in harmony with other rabbits of either sex. They are also easier to train.

Another reason for neutering is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Rabbits are known for their ability to reproduce many times, leading to rabbit overpopulation.

Many rabbits either end up in shelters or are released into the wild where they struggle to survive. Those sold to pet stores don’t fare much better, as many are sold as snake food.

Eventually, an intact rabbit may experience a condition known as pseudopregnancy, where it produces milk, begins building nests, pulls out hair, and exhibits aggressive behavior.

A castrated woman can still experience a false pregnancy, but this is less likely to happen.

As you can probably see, there are many benefits to spaying your lady rabbit.

What is the best age to neuter a female rabbit?

It is best to spay a female rabbit as soon as she has reached sexual maturity, usually between four and six months of age.

Much depends on their size and breed, but it’s important that the procedure is done before they are two years old to reduce the risk of cancer.

Talk to your rabbit-savvy vet, who can examine your rabbit and tell you when they need to be neutered.

Is it safe to have my female rabbit spayed?

It’s normal to feel anxious and anxious before sending your beloved bunny for surgery. Who wouldn’t?

But rabbit medicine has come a long way in the last few years.

Performing surgery on a rabbit is just as safe as performing it on any other animal, provided it is performed by an experienced rabbit veterinarian.

Yes, there are more risks with anesthetizing rabbits than cats and dogs, but a rabbit-experienced vet with a highly trained team will have plans to protect your pet and perform the procedure safely. (Source)

Your vet will discuss with you what you need to do to prepare your rabbit for the surgery and ease any anxiety that may arise.

What does a rabbit neutering procedure involve?

Your rabbit will be neutered under general anesthesia, so they will sleep during the operation. (Source)

During anesthesia, an experienced team monitors your little lady’s heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and blood pressure.

The procedure is performed through a small incision in the abdominal wall, with the hair in this area being shaved beforehand. The blood vessels leading to the reproductive tract are tied off and the ovaries and uterus are removed.

The vet then uses several sutures to close the rabbit back up.

Typically, a rabbit can go home within 48 hours of surgery.

How do I prepare my rabbit for neutering?

Before beginning the procedure, the vet should perform a thorough physical exam on your rabbit and do pre-anesthesia blood tests to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo the surgery and have no pre-existing medical conditions.

Monitor your rabbit before surgery and report any signs of illness to your veterinarian.

Unlike other animals, your rabbit does not need to fast the night before.

Rabbits cannot throw up and should be given food and water until just before the procedure. Most pets would not eat before surgery, but rabbits are the exception. They have a high metabolism and always need something in their stomach.

If the vet tells you not to feed your rabbit before surgery, that’s a sure sign to go elsewhere.

But don’t make any changes to your diet before surgery.

Some owners give their rabbit acidophilus (a probiotic) a few days before surgery to ensure their digestive system is functioning normally.

Make sure you bring enough rabbit food to the clinic for your rabbit, as they will need to be fed when they wake up.

What should I do when I bring my rabbit home?

If you bring your rabbit for surgery, discuss your rabbit’s aftercare needs with the vet so you can prepare.

Find out when to pick her up and what medication she will be given.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect your rabbit’s cage and sterilize all bowls and toys. Instead of wood shavings, place a towel or newspaper on the bottom of the cage.

This allows you to keep the wound clean and clear during the recovery period.

Your rabbit must be kept alone in the house as they can injure themselves when around other rabbits.

Find a quiet place for her to rest peacefully. Don’t try to pick her up or let her out of the cage for the first four days.

Your little lady will probably be hiding in the corner of her cage 24 hours after surgery, which is perfectly normal. However, if this behavior persists for more than a day, contact your veterinarian.

How do I care for my rabbit after neutering?

Your rabbit may be groggy but needs to at least start nibbling on some food after the surgery. Give your little lady her favorite treats and snacks to encourage her to eat.

As a last resort, feed your rabbit a mash of pellets.

Mix one part pellet to two parts water and place in a blender. You can also add Acidophilus. Use a syringe to feed her, putting a pea-sized amount in the side of her mouth, making sure she sits up straight.

If your rabbit still won’t eat twelve hours after surgery, contact your vet immediately.

Monitor your rabbit closely for other signs that something is wrong, such as: B. Decreased water intake, abnormal feces, signs of infection and unusual behavior. Remember that rabbits are hardwired to hide any symptoms from predators.

Sometimes a bunny pulls its strings out. In this case, the vet will sew them back together.

Then use a small folded tea towel and place it over the stitches. Hold the towel in place with an elastic bandage wrapped tightly over it. Make sure it’s not too tight and your rabbit can breathe normally.

Administer your rabbit’s medication as directed by the vet, usually twice a day for three to five days after the procedure.

You should schedule a follow-up visit to the vet to have the stitches removed and have your rabbit checked to see if the wound has healed. You usually have an appointment about ten days after the operation.

Final Thoughts

Neutering your female rabbit will certainly have many benefits, increasing her overall health and longevity.

While any surgical procedure involves risks, choosing an experienced and knowledgeable rabbit veterinarian is critical to success.

As a pet owner, it’s important that you know the facts about spaying or neutering your pet rabbit. This article covers some of the benefits of the procedure (when performed at the right time by a rabbit-experienced veterinarian), and also provides some guidance on what to expect during and after the surgery.

Benefits of neutering or neutering your rabbit

There are many benefits to spaying or neutering a rabbit. First and foremost, a restrained rabbit can lead a longer and healthier life as the risk of cancer and urinary tract infections is greatly reduced.

Secondly, a neutered rabbit will be calmer and easier to handle. Their destructive habits slack off a bit, but they don’t lose their charmingly mischievous nature. Variegated rabbits are also easier to litter and have less urge to spray.

Neutered and neutered house rabbits are easier to bond with due to their calmer demeanor. And of course, a changed couple won’t end up with a litter of baby buns. While baby bunnies are adorable, there is a problem with overpopulation. Most rabbit hutches are always full.

When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet Rabbit?

When male rabbits are between 3 and 5 months old, they are old enough to be spayed. Female rabbits are generally between 4 and 6 months old enough to be spayed; then they reach sexual maturity for the first time. By the time rabbits reach middle age (5-6 years), they may be considered too old to be altered. Rabbits that are too young or too old are at a higher risk of complications from surgery.

What to expect from castration/neuter surgery

Neutering is the procedure performed on female rabbits to remove the reproductive organs. The operation is performed through the abdomen. Blood vessels leading to the reproductive tract are tied off and the reproductive tract is removed. The rabbit is then given several sets of stitches to close its back.

Castration is performed on male rabbits to remove the testicles. The vet makes an incision in the scrotum and removes the testicles through it. A male rabbit may still have semen stored in his body for up to three weeks after surgery. For this reason, a recently changed male should be kept away from unmodified female rabbits during this time.

In order to provide your rabbit with a safe neutering experience, you need to find an experienced veterinarian. When looking for a veterinarian, be sure to ask if he/she has experience working with rabbits. If there is a local rabbit shelter in your area, a veterinarian may be able to recommend one.

If you adopted your rabbit from a shelter or rescue, the rabbit may already have changed. Be sure to ask. Talk to your qualified veterinarian about what to do to prepare your rabbit for surgery and how to care for him after surgery. Also, ask your veterinarian to explain the procedure thoroughly, as it may ease your own fears of knowing what is about to happen.

Be sure to monitor your rabbit for changes in behavior, failure to eat, pulling on bites, or signs of infection after the procedure.

About the Author P.A. Smith has lived with pet rabbits since 1995. He is also the co-editor of the fun wildlife website called Animal Fact Guide.

The reasons why you need to be neutered or neutered

​

Yes, we deliberately used the word “must” in the title of this article. For those of us concerned with rabbit welfare there is no choice when it comes to spaying or neutering a rabbit, it simply has to be done. In fact, every rabbit the Georgia House Rabbit Society adopts has already been spayed or neutered. It is our policy to have this beneficial procedure for all of our rabbits and it should apply to you too!

​

Below are points from the National House Rabbit Society article, FAQ: Spaying and Neutering. We hope they make it clear how important it is to have this surgery for your rabbit. As you will read, your rabbit will be healthier and happier as a result.

​

So if you got your rabbit somewhere else and are considering whether or not to have the surgery done, please consider the following facts so you can make the best decision for your bun. If you are considering adoption from the Georgia House Rabbit Society, you can rest assured that your rabbit has already gone through the process and has had adequate recovery time.

​

Why Spay and Neuter Rabbits?

Modified rabbits are healthier and live longer than unmodified rabbits. One study showed that 85% of female rabbits will develop uterine cancer if they are not spayed before the age of 3 years. These painful and incurable diseases (ovarian, uterine and breast cancer) are virtually eliminated by spaying a female rabbit. Your neutered male rabbit will also live longer as he will not be as tempted to fight with other animals (rabbits, cats, etc.) due to his sexual aggression. Older men are also at risk for testicular cancer. Although uterine cancer is not the most common problem, it still poses a risk that can easily be avoided by spaying and neutering.

​

Variegated rabbits make better companions. They are calmer, more affectionate, and more reliable once the undeniable urge to mate is eliminated. In addition, rabbits are less likely to engage in destructive (chewing, digging) and aggressive (biting, plunging, circling, growling) behaviors after surgery.

​

Avoidance of offensive behavior. Unneutered male rabbits will spray, and both males and females are much easier to litter and much more reliably trained after they have been altered.

​

Modified rabbits do not contribute to the problem of rabbit overpopulation. Over 7 million adorable dogs, cats and rabbits are killed in animal shelters in this country every year. In addition, unwanted rabbits are often abandoned in fields, parks, or on city streets to fend for themselves, where they suffer from starvation and disease and are easy prey for other animals or traffic accidents. The rabbits that are sold to pet stores aren’t necessarily doing any better, since pet stores will sell pets to anyone who has the money to buy them and will not check what kind of home they will go to. Many of these rabbits are sold as snake food or as pets for a small child who will soon “outgrow” the rabbit.

​

Altered rabbits can safely have a friend to play with. Rabbits are social animals and enjoy the company of other rabbits. But unless your rabbit is altered, he may not have a friend, either of the opposite sex or the same sex, due to sexual and aggressive behaviors induced by hormones.

​

Rabbit spaying and neutering has become a safe procedure when performed by experienced rabbit veterinarians. The House Rabbit Society has had over 1000 rabbits spayed or spayed with an approximately 0.1% mortality due to anesthesia. A knowledgeable rabbit veterinarian can spay or spay your rabbit with very little risk to a healthy rabbit. Do not allow a veterinarian with little or no experience with rabbits to spay or neuter your rabbit.

​

Frequently asked questions about spaying and neutering:

Is Surgery on Rabbits Safe? Surgery can be just as safe on rabbits as it is on any other animal. Unfortunately, the vast majority of veterinarians are not experienced in safe rabbit surgical techniques. Do not have your rabbit spayed or spayed by a veterinarian with little or no experience with rabbits. With the use of isofluorene as an anesthetic and appropriate surgical and postoperative techniques, spaying and neutering rabbits is as safe as any other animal.

​

At what age should rabbits be spayed or neutered?

Females can be spayed as soon as they are sexually mature, usually around 4 months of age, but many vets prefer to wait until they are 6 months old as surgery on a younger rabbit is more risky. Male dogs can be spayed as soon as the testicles descend, usually around 3 1/2 months of age.

​

When is a rabbit too old to be spayed or neutered?

Vets will have their own opinions on this, but in general anesthetics and surgery become more risky by the time a rabbit is 6 years old. It’s always a good idea to have a rabbit over 2 years old for a very thorough health check, including a full blood test. This can be more expensive than surgery, but it helps identify any conditions that might make surgery more risky. This is particularly important when anesthetics other than isofluorene are used.

​

Can you tell if a female rabbit has already been spayed?

There’s a very good chance she doesn’t have it. One can shave the belly and look for a castration scar. However, when vets use certain suturing techniques, there is no scar at all. Hopefully these vets will tattoo the abdomen to indicate that the spay/neuter has been performed, but otherwise the only way to know is to proceed with the surgery.

​

How much does the operation cost?

The costs of spaying/neutering vary greatly in different regions of the country. The lower end of the price range can be as cheap as $50-$75 (although we’ve never heard of the procedure being performed this cheap in Georgia), while vets in large metropolitan areas where rental and labor costs are high usually charge several hundred dollars. Feedback from rabbit owners in the Atlanta area put the average cost at around $250, although we’ve heard offers as high as $400. dr Colby, a local veterinarian experienced in rabbit care, has started a low-cost spaying and neutering program. To learn more about this program, please visit the Inexpensive Spaying and Neutering page.

​

How do I find a vet who can safely perform the surgery?

You can start by visiting our local vets page to find a list of vets with rabbit experience in the Atlanta area. The National House Rabbit Society also has an article with tips on finding a good rabbit veterinarian. The article includes tips on how to interview a potential veterinarian, questions to ask, and things not to do. View the House Rabbit Society article, please click here

​

What Questions Should I Ask the Vet?

Did the vet tell you to withhold food and water before your rabbit’s surgery? (Absolutely don’t do this and be sure to ask the vet. The reason they would suggest this is because they are not familiar enough with rabbit anatomy and assume the rabbit would be aspirating or vomiting up recently eaten food HOWEVER, rabbits cannot vomit, so there is no risk and rabbits should never be restricted from hay or water…they should never be forced to void their digestive tract.)

Approximately how many rabbit clients do you (vet) see in a year?

How many rabbit spay/neuter operations has the vet done in the last year?

What was the success rate? 90% success is far too little. Every doctor, whether animal or human, occasionally loses a patient, usually due to an undiagnosed problem. Vets across the country who spay and neuter rabbits for the House Rabbit Society have lost less than half of 1%, on average. If any were lost, what was the cause?

Does the vet remove both the uterus and ovaries? (They should.)

Does the vet perform “open” or “closed” neutering? (Closed is preferable; let your vet explain the difference.)

Are the testicles accessed through the scrotum or abdomen? (Entry via the abdomen unnecessarily increases trauma to male rabbits.)

What anesthetics are used? Some vets have had some success with anesthetics other than isofluorene, but the rabbit will be “hungover” after the surgery, making it more likely that he or she will slowly start eating again. This can cause serious problems.

How are problems identified? How often will the vet and techs visit your rabbit and what will they look for? Discuss the procedure (surgery and immediately after surgery) with your veterinarian. What will they do before the operation to find possible problems? How will they support your bun in the hours after surgery? Oxygen, warmth, rest (barking dogs and howling cats in the side cage are not helpful), and stimulation? Ask questions! Get your vet’s attention. Let her know you’re concerned and that you’ll be careful.

What follow-up care should I give? Information on aftercare can be found here on our website. Careful monitoring and knowledge of rabbits is important to see your rabbit through the recovery period and to make the surgery a success. One of the many benefits of adopting GHRS is that your rabbit has already been altered!

​

Return to General Medical Information & Prevention

Why do rabbits squirt urine? And is there anything you can do to stop rabbits from spraying? Today we look at the reasons why rabbits spray. We’ll let you know how to stop spraying and if it’s ever medically related.

Why do rabbits squirt urine?

Unneutered male rabbits and unneutered female rabbits spray urine to mark their territory. Some rabbits may also spray other rabbits they live with – or even you! This is a natural behavior that isn’t overly problematic, but it can be uncomfortable and frustrating for owners, especially if you have pet rabbits.

Most veterinarians will recommend that you fix your rabbit to prevent this behavior. However, if your rabbit is urinating excessively instead of spurting, there may be nothing to stop it. It’s important to know the difference so you can intervene if there’s a chance that urination is related to a health issue.

Watch cute baby bunnies play!

Can rabbits spray?

Spraying by rabbits is a behavior also known as marking. Both male and female rabbits can spray around your home or hutch, but the behavior is most common in unfixated males. However, it’s important that you can differentiate rabbit spraying from other urinary problems.

Spraying is slightly different from other types of inappropriate urination. For example, just because your rabbit isn’t using its litter box doesn’t mean it’s spraying. If you find some urine on the floor, especially in a normal spot, your rabbit won’t squirt. But if you find rabbit urine everywhere, chances are your rabbit is splashing. And that doesn’t just mean on the floor. A rabbit that sprays will splash urine on your walls, furniture, and even other rabbits and household members.

Many owners will also report that rabbit spray has a distinctive and very strong odor. So you’re unlikely to miss it once your rabbit has started spraying. Not only will you see the markings on the walls and around your home, you will be able to smell them too.

Why do rabbits spray?

The most common cause of rabbit spraying behavior is unneutered rabbits wanting to mark their territory. Studies and observations have shown the same behavior in wild rabbits and pet rabbits. In wild rabbit colonies, the most dominant male rabbit will often spray and mark other rabbits in the same colony as well as the territory itself. So if one of your rabbits has started marking your walls, you may find that it continues to mark all the other rabbits that are They have. Some may even start spraying on you!

However, it’s not just male rabbits that spray. In fact, owners of unpaid females can also find rabbit spray in their homes. Any rabbit can spray to mark its territory, but this behavior is most common in sexually intact rabbits.

What does rabbit spray look like?

There are two main ways owners will notice rabbit spraying. Either way, they’ll experience it up close as their rabbit cums on them! Or they will start noticing signs of it in their home. So if you suspect your rabbit is spraying, what should you look out for?

Well, spraying rabbits is usually going to be extensive. So we don’t mean a little puddle or two on the floor near the litter box. We mean everywhere. You’ll start seeing urine stains on your walls, furniture, other pets, and more. You will also start smelling rabbit urine in your house. And you can clean it up, but your rabbit is likely to continue spraying, especially if they haven’t been spayed or neutered.

Of course, there is nothing inherently bad about this behavior. But it will have a lasting impact on your home and cleaning regimen. If your rabbit starts spraying, most of your house will start to smell pretty bad, and if it’s not cleaned properly, you’ll start seeing urine stains all over the house. So what to do to stop this behavior?

How to stop rabbit spraying?

So if you’re plagued by rabbit pee, you probably want to know what you can do to stop this smelly, messy behavior! You can either solve the problem by improving your cleaning routine or by talking to your vet about how to fix your rabbit. Of course, increased cleaning will not stop the behavior. It will only fight the urine in your house. Your rabbit will likely continue to spray. So it will be a lot of work for you, but it will help you keep your home clean and smelling fresher.

A more permanent solution is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered. Of course, this is a big decision for many pet owners and not feasible if you plan to breed your rabbit. However, for many rabbit owners, it is the best solution. If you are having trouble spraying rabbits and wish to have your rabbit neutered, it is best to contact your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian about the procedure, the risks to your rabbit, and the ideal time to do it. They can provide you with up-to-date research and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Other potential problems

Of course, excessive urination in rabbits isn’t always related to spraying. Excessive urination, or polyuria, can be a sign of many other serious health problems. For example, rabbits suffering from diabetes may urinate excessively in your home.

Additionally, rabbits who have been housetrained for years may suddenly stop using their litter box, but this is not necessarily a marking behavior. It could be because they don’t feel safe using the litter box for some reason, because you’ve changed the brand or type of litter you use, or even because you have too many pet rabbits trying to use one too small litter box to share .

If your rabbit is suddenly urinating a lot more around your house but isn’t spraying on the walls and furniture, it may be worth seeing the vet. This way, you can rule out health issues and find out exactly what’s causing the behavior.

Why do rabbits squirt urine? A summary

Most rabbits will spray urine around the home to mark their territory. Occasionally, however, spraying can be mistaken for excessive urination outside of the litter box, which can be a sign of a different problem. So it’s important to make sure your rabbit is healthy before attempting to fix them directly. If another problem is causing excessive urination, it’s best to treat that first!

Have you ever had problems with rabbits spraying your house? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

find out more

References and further reading

Should I neuter my rabbit?

Rabbits are growing in popularity and are now the third most popular pet in the UK. In recent years our knowledge of rabbit health and welfare has increased greatly and many rabbit owners want to ensure their rabbits are having the best possible quality of life. For owners of female rabbits, this may mean considering having their rabbit neutered.

What is neutering?

Neutering is a term you may be familiar with if you have been around cats or dogs as it is a word commonly used by the pet community. It is an elective surgical procedure in which a female animal’s reproductive organs, the ovaries and uterus, are removed. This means that the animal cannot reproduce in the future. You may hear this procedure under different names, including castration and de-sexing, but they all mean the same thing in female animals.

Depending on the species, there are a number of reasons why an owner may choose to have their pet neutered or be recommended by a veterinarian. For the rest of this article we will discuss the reasons why you might consider neutering your rabbit, but of course our team is happy to answer any questions you have about neutering your other female pets.

How will it affect my rabbit’s health?

Female rabbits can develop a number of different health conditions, often life-threatening at the time of diagnosis. Some of these conditions can be prevented by neutering your rabbit while they are still healthy.

uterine cancer

One of the main reasons owners choose to have their rabbits neutered is to prevent them from developing the most common rabbit cancer, uterine adenocarcinoma. This is a cancer that only affects female rabbits who have not been spayed. Rabbits have an increased risk of developing this cancer as they get older.

If your rabbit develops uterine cancer, the prognosis for survival depends on whether the cancer has already metastasized (spread to other parts of the body) at the time of diagnosis. Uterine cancer often spreads to the lungs, and when spread is detected, the prognosis for survival is poor.

If your rabbit is diagnosed with uterine cancer we will most likely recommend further testing such as X-rays (X-rays) and ultrasound to see if there are any obvious signs of spread. If your rabbit is healthy enough for surgery, treatment would involve removing your rabbit’s reproductive organs in hopes of removing the tumor and preventing it from coming back. After the operation, your rabbit will need to be checked regularly with us for up to 2 years to make sure there have been no signs of spread. By spaying your rabbit while it is healthy, you will prevent it from developing uterine cancer in the future.

uterine infection

Female rabbits can sometimes develop uterine infections, also known as pyometra. Although this condition is not common in rabbits, it is still a serious, life-threatening condition when it does occur. It can be seen in rabbits that have been bred from as well as those that have not been used for breeding, showing that any female who has not been spayed can potentially develop this condition. Treatment of a uterine infection often requires emergency stabilization, followed by surgery to remove the infected reproductive organs. A uterine infection can be prevented by spaying your rabbit to ensure they don’t develop this serious condition.

false pregnancy

Although this is not usually a serious condition in itself, uterine infection can occur if a rabbit develops a pseudopregnancy (phantom pregnancy). A pseudopregnancy can develop either after an unsuccessful mating or as a result of being mounted by another rabbit, leaving an unneutered female at risk if kept with another rabbit. Spaying can prevent this condition from occurring.

breast diseases

Neutering your rabbit can also reduce the chance of developing diseases that affect the mammary gland. Rabbits can develop mastitis, a painful inflammatory disease of the mammary glands that can progress to a breast cancer such as mammary carcinoma. If your rabbit has developed any of these conditions, we often recommend spaying your rabbit, sometimes along with surgery to remove tumors.

Will my rabbit behave differently after neutering?

Female rabbits that have not been spayed often become aggressive toward other rabbits and even their owners. This can make your rabbit difficult to handle. Spaying can calm this aggressive behavior and make it easier to interact with your rabbit.

Rabbits are very social animals that get lonely and depressed when kept alone. This means that we recommend keeping rabbits with at least one other rabbit. Usually a female rabbit will mating with a male rabbit more successfully, but regardless of mating, both rabbits will need to be spayed to try to reduce aggression and fighting. If you have any questions about how to tie your rabbits, one of our staff will be happy to discuss this with you further.

breed

Spaying your female rabbit will also prevent her from reproducing, so she will not become pregnant if kept with a male rabbit. This reduces the occurrence of unwanted throws due to accidental pairings. It will also prevent any risk to your rabbit’s health from pregnancy and rearing kittens.

Are there any risks with this operation?

Your rabbit will need general anesthesia during the neutering process. There is a low risk for all animals receiving an anesthetic, with rabbits at slightly higher risk compared to cats and dogs. However, anesthetics for rabbits have become much safer in recent years as our knowledge of anesthetics and the drugs we use for anesthetics has greatly improved.

Rabbits can develop gastrointestinal stasis after general anesthesia. This can be a life-threatening condition where the rabbit’s intestines stop working properly and the rabbit can quickly become ill. We give them medication while they are with us in the hospital to prevent this condition from occurring and we will discuss this condition with you further when you collect your rabbit.

We make surgery as safe as possible for your pet by making sure they are healthy before they are neutered and by giving them a full health check when you bring them in for the procedure. If you have any concerns or concerns about this procedure, one of our staff will be happy to discuss this with you further.

What happens if I take my rabbit to be neutered?

Before your rabbit comes for neutering, we will ask you to continue feeding your rabbit. Rabbits do not need to be starved prior to stunning as they cannot vomit. We will also ask you to bring some of your rabbit’s favorite foods to encourage them to eat after the surgery.

On the morning of your rabbit’s visit, we will carry out a health check and discuss the declaration of consent with you. After admission, your rabbit will be housed in one of our rabbit-friendly kennels. You will be given an injectable anesthetic to go to sleep before going to the operating room for your procedure and will be continuously monitored by one of our highly trained staff until you are awake after the operation. Usually your rabbit goes home the same day.

When you come to collect your rabbit we will discuss with you how to care for your rabbit at home, how to administer the medicines to take him home and any signs to look out for that require coming and see us urgently. Your rabbit will be checked in with us at regular intervals for postoperative checks until we are satisfied that your rabbit has healed well.

The thought of having your rabbit spayed can be daunting if you have never had a rabbit spayed before. If you are concerned about the risks of neutering, one of our vets can walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Spaying female rabbits has many benefits, from preventing serious health problems to reducing behavioral problems to successfully bonding with other rabbits. For many people, these benefits outweigh the risks.

Spaying and neutering your pet rabbit is just as important as spaying or neutering your cat or dog. Rabbits can usually be operated on when they are 4-6 months old. This can depend on the breed of rabbit and their size. An examination by one of our veterinarians is required prior to the operation, during which the doctor will perform a full physical examination of your pet and answer any questions you may have about spaying and neutering. A pre-anaesthetic blood count prior to surgery will ensure your rabbit is healthy internally as well. The following are the main benefits of having your pet rabbit neutered/neutered:

· Eliminating the risk of ovarian/uterine cancer and other uterine diseases such as pyometra (infection of the uterus) in women. The risk of developing uterine cancer increases as the rabbit ages. It is best to spay before the rabbit is 2 years old to greatly reduce the risk.

· Reduce aggressive behavior Both male and female rabbits (especially females!) can exhibit aggressive behavior such as biting and jumping. Rabbits that were once easy to handle can be very difficult to catch once they reach sexual maturity.

· Reducing urine marking behavior Male and female rabbits can spray urine onto vertical surfaces to mark their territory. It is more commonly seen in men than women. The urine of a sexually mature male also has a fairly strong odor. If the behavior is allowed to continue, it may be impossible to completely stop spaying, so it is best to spay before or shortly after puberty to curb this behavior before it becomes a habit.

Spaying and neutering also have other benefits for your pet rabbit. These are problems we don’t see that often, but can occur:

· Prevention of false pregnancies, prevention of diseases of the mammary glands such as mastitis and prevention of diseases of the testicles.

Sterilization and castration after surgery

These care instructions will help you know what is normal behavior after surgery and what problems may arise that require the attention of a rabbit-skilled veterinarian. Pain management is critical to a rabbit’s recovery after surgery.

Please discuss this with your vet prior to surgery. If your vet does not prescribe pain medication after surgery, you should see another vet. Be sure to administer medications at the right time to keep pain under control. When you bring Bunny home after surgery, he/she should be alert and responsive. It’s important to ensure the rabbit is kept warm, especially after a spay/neuter. Your ears are not necessarily a good indicator of body temperature. If your ears are very cold to the touch, the temperature of the buns might be low, but you should know how to check them closely with a flexible digital thermometer. Too low a temperature can be life-threatening for a rabbit! You can help warm her up by using water bottles filled with hot water, a heating pad (cord protected), or heated towels. Just make sure the bun can escape if it gets too warm and take precautions to protect yourself from overheating or burning.

For instructions on how to take a rabbit’s temperature, please see our Emergency Life Saving Information article. Encourage your rabbit to eat after surgery. You can seduce Bunny by offering him a small handful of vegetables like kale or parsley. Always provide fresh grass hay (timothy or orchard) to nibble on, as well as a limited supply of plain pellets (no dried fruit or seeds in pellets) and a bowl of clean water. If Bunny hasn’t eaten for 12 hours after coming home from surgery, contact your vet immediately. This could indicate a serious problem. DO NOT WAIT! Keep an eye on your rabbit and like all pet rabbits, they need to be kept indoors. This will allow you to observe the rabbit more closely and bond more closely as he/she begins to learn the new routine and trust you.

To better understand the dangers of outdoor living, please see our Outdoor Rabbits article. Allow Bunny to rest in the cage or enclosure for 24 hours before playing outside the cage. First, limit Bunny’s freedom to prevent injuries from jumping around too much. Wait at least a week before letting Bunny play outside where there is dirt or anything that could cause infection in the incision. If Bunny is allowed outside, supervise play at all times to protect Bunny from predators. Indoor housing is safest for your rabbit. Always keep your rabbit’s cage and litter box very clean.

Check the incision daily for swelling, excessive redness, blood, or discharge. (Note: Female rabbits have an incision on their abdomen. Males have a small incision on their testicles.) Make sure Bunny isn’t chewing or pulling on the incision, and make sure it stays closed. If your rabbit has been neutered (female) and needs clip or suture removal, contact your veterinarian as directed – usually within 10 to 14 days. Don’t leave staples or bites in your rabbit. The skin “grows” over it and your rabbit becomes infected. In male rabbits, the testicles will shrink over time and literally “disappear”. The testicles may also darken and shrink during this process. This is normal and should be expected.

Hormone-related behavioral problems such as territorial marking, litter box failure, or aggressive tendencies usually improve after Bunny is spayed or neutered. It will take a few weeks for the hormones to settle down, but you should see improvement in these areas. Please note: male rabbits can impregnate an unneutered female for about 4 weeks after the operation. We recommend not introducing a newly pinned male rabbit to an unneutered female rabbit for at least 6 weeks to be on the safe side.

​

CONTACT YOUR VET IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

Rabbit chews on the incision

The incision opens or becomes red, swollen, or has a discharge

Rabbit didn’t start eating after 12 hours at home

The stool is soggy or Bunny has real diarrhea

Bunny is too calm, depressed, or weak, or if Bunny stays in the back of the cage, he won’t move

If Bunny is in pain, he/she may be hunched over, unwilling to eat and you may hear a loud “teeth grinding”.

If Bunny seems to be losing body heat and feels cool – take his temperature

Click here to see our list of experienced rabbit vets. For care information about your new rabbit friend, including litter box training tips, proper nutrition and accessories for your rabbit, please browse the Care, Health & Nutrition section here on the website or contact us at 678-653-7175.

​

Return to General Medical Information & Prevention

​

RABBIT CAREERS AND SPAYING “Spaying” in this article often refers to both female and male neutering. BEHAVIORAL REASONS TO CONSIDER SPAYING Neutering reduces sexual behavior in rabbits, including aggressive behavior in both male and female rabbits. It will not completely eliminate sexual behavior, and there is no telling how much or how little it might reduce it.

Day length affects the behavior of both neutered and non-neutered individuals. Males may show more aggressive behavior and females may dig a burrow or build a nest in spring.

Rearing behavior directed towards other rabbits, both male and female rabbits, often continues after spaying as it is a normal part of excited and dominant behavior and not just sexual behavior.

Unneutered bucks tend to mount their owner’s legs, toys, mats, and other household items; Neutering usually significantly reduces this behavior.

Male aggression is reduced, so combat wound frequency is reduced.

The odor mark from spraying urine and depositing faeces is reduced.

There is a good chance that aggression towards the owner will noticeably decrease after neutering.

Rabbits go through puberty when they are 5 to 8 months old. The older they are beyond this age, the less likely it is that neutering will significantly change their behavior. PHYSICAL HEALTH REASONS TO CONSIDER SPAYING Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies and allows both sexes to be housed together.

Castration prevents false pregnancies.

Neutering could reduce the incidence of female reproductive disorders, including breast, uterine and ovarian cancer and endometritis. SPAYING TO PREVENT FEMALE REPRODUCTION PROBLEMS: MORE DETAILS The original research on the subject was conducted in the 1940’s.

The idea that neutering rabbits would prevent reproductive problems became common wisdom, but was not supported by additional research.

In our experience at Yarmouth Vet Center, the incidence of female reproductive problems in rabbits is very low.

In addition, we have seen reproductive system problems in both neutered and non-neutered women. SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS Puberty occurs at 4 to 5 months of age in small breeds and at 5 to 8 months of age in large breeds.

The testicles fall off between 10 and 12 weeks of age in all breeds.

Around five months old is the best age to spay both male and female dogs. More specifically, three months or older for males and five months or older for females.

The time from castration to infertility is 4 weeks for male dogs. In other words, a male is potentially capable of impregnating a female up to 1 month after spaying. We recommend waiting until 6 weeks after surgery to house a spayed male with females.

It takes about 2 weeks for the internal and external incisions made when a rabbit is spayed to heal. We recommend waiting until two weeks after neutering to introduce or re-introduce a neutered rabbit to other rabbits.

At Yarmouth Vet Center we consider male rabbit spaying and female rabbit spaying to be routine procedures. We are experienced in performing them and feel very comfortable doing it.

Most pet owners rightly know that the risk of complications from spaying and neutering dogs and cats is very small.

Due to their unique anatomy and physiology, the risk of complications associated with spaying and neutering rabbits is higher than with spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

Surgical complications are more common when spaying female rabbits than when spaying male rabbits. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend neutering male rabbits.

We recommend spaying female rabbits only when it is important to change the rabbit’s behavior and prevent unwanted pregnancy, and then only when the owner understands and accepts the possibility of surgical complications. Yarmouth Veterinary Centre

It’s no secret that rabbits breed frequently in the wild. This is because lagomorphs are driven by a desire to keep their kind alive. These instincts carry over to domesticated rabbits as well. Your pet rabbit will happily mate when they are in heat.

Most female rabbits enter a first estrus cycle at around four months of age. After that, the rabbit never leaves the heat. There will be times when she is more sexually active than others. A rabbit can breed at any time, but is most likely to breed between March and September.

Neutering is highly recommended for comfort and health reasons. Unless you’re breeding your rabbit, there’s no reason for them to endure constant heat cycles. The same also applies to males. While male rabbits do not have an estrus cycle, they are driven by a constant need to mate. Neutering eliminates this craving and significantly calms your pet.

When does a female rabbit go into heat?

Rabbits reach sexual maturity quickly. How quickly this happens varies from pet to pet. Breed and size matter, as large rabbits develop more slowly.

Generally, a female rabbit becomes sexually mature at four months of age. This process rarely takes longer than six months.

A male, on the other hand, can become sexually mature within two to three months. Male rabbits are very procreative. This means that neutering needs to be investigated early on.

When two siblings are fully grown and live in the same barn, mating occurs. Human constructs surrounding families do not rule rabbits.

You even have to watch a rabbit that still lives with a parent. A male rabbit will mate with this mother. A female rabbit will mate with her father. This does not always result in congenital disabilities, but often in unwanted pregnancies.

Signs that a female rabbit is in heat

When your rabbit is in heat, they will experience some physical and personality changes. Some of these will be obvious and others less so. However, it pays to understand the warning signs. Once a rabbit is in heat, it never really leaves. Signs of a rabbit in heat include:

territoriality . During heat, your pet will guard its space even more jealously. For example, she will become unusually aggressive if you try to clean her coop.

. During heat, your pet will guard its space even more jealously. For example, she will become unusually aggressive if you try to clean her coop. mark . A female rabbit will begin marking with urine constantly. This is how she can attract the attention of a male. She announces her presence and declares herself ready to mate.

. A female rabbit will begin marking with urine constantly. This is how she can attract the attention of a male. She announces her presence and declares herself ready to mate. seek stimulation. This behavior is more pronounced in male rabbits. However, your wife may still try to mount various objects. She can even mount a female or invite the other rabbit to mount her.

. This behavior is more pronounced in male rabbits. However, your wife may still try to mount various objects. She can even mount a female or invite the other rabbit to mount her. Increased affection. Your rabbit will become more attached to their human owners over time. She can constantly circle your legs and rub against you.

. Your rabbit will become more attached to their human owners over time. She can constantly circle your legs and rub against you. restlessness . It will prevent them from relaxing or sleeping. In severe cases, she even refuses to eat or drink because she is so distracted.

. It will prevent them from relaxing or sleeping. In severe cases, she even refuses to eat or drink because she is so distracted. Swollen vulva. The most obvious sign is physical. Your pet’s vulva will swell and become visible. It will be a dark red or brown.

If you spay your rabbit prior to her first heat, these symptoms may never appear. However, the logistics of doing this depend on when your rabbit matures.

Some veterinarians do not operate on very young rabbits because of the risk. If you have to wait for your pet to reach adulthood, chances are it’s sexually mature. Complete the procedure as soon as possible.

Do male rabbits have an estrus cycle?

Male rabbits do not have an estrus cycle in the traditional sense. A man does not ovulate like a woman. Despite this, males are forced to mate almost around the clock. Once a male reaches sexual maturity, he is driven by the urge to mate.

This is why neutering male dogs is so important. It is arguably even more critical than castrating a woman. An unfixated male rabbit quickly becomes destructive. This will be a result of frustration.

If you see things from the rabbit’s perspective, this is understandable. As far as he’s concerned, he has a job. He must breed and expand the rabbit population. To stop him is tantamount to cruelty.

Warning signs that your husband has grown up and is becoming frustrated include:

humping and assembly. Your rabbit will do anything to ease his or her frustration. He will mount anything that comes his way, living or inanimate.

. Your rabbit will do anything to ease his or her frustration. He will mount anything that comes his way, living or inanimate. Marking and Scenting. Once a male rabbit reaches sexual maturity, he becomes considerably more territorial. You’ll likely find him peeing on everything in his coop and beyond. This urine will also smell strongly.

. Once a male rabbit reaches sexual maturity, he becomes considerably more territorial. You’ll likely find him peeing on everything in his coop and beyond. This urine will also smell strongly. mood swings . A male rabbit may appear affectionate for a moment. He will be playful and ask for pats. However, he will turn around immediately. A frustrated man has no problem biting the hand that feeds him.

. A male rabbit may appear affectionate for a moment. He will be playful and ask for pats. However, he will turn around immediately. A frustrated man has no problem biting the hand that feeds him. constant energy. A young rabbit will always have some energy to burn. When he’s in heat, there’s no off switch. Your rabbit will constantly run around and refuse to calm down.

. A young rabbit will always have some energy to burn. When he’s in heat, there’s no off switch. Your rabbit will constantly run around and refuse to calm down. Gnaw. This is another sign of your rabbit’s frustration. Your rabbit will chew anything to keep its teeth clean. A sexually frustrated man will take this to the next level. Make sure your rabbit does not chew the following items as they pose serious health hazards.

There is no way around these behaviors other than neutering your pet. That’s not cruel. Your rabbit will thank you. He will be the docile and loving pet again.

How long do rabbits stay in heat?

A female rabbit’s estrus sequence lasts about sixteen days. Your rabbit will be fertile for fourteen of these. This means she will be open to the idea of ​​mating. She can actively seek a mate if she shares a stall.

Rabbit reproduction is different from most mammals. Rabbits don’t ovulate and then look for a mate. Instead, a rabbit will begin ovulating when mating begins. When a male mounts an intact rabbit, he begins ovulating and releases an egg.

Technically, the rabbit heat cycle never ends. Once a rabbit first comes into heat, it becomes a constant loop. Rabbits don’t have menopause either. Your pet is in a heat loop until it is neutered or dies.

This is because rabbits are driven by an instinct to reproduce and maintain the species. Rabbits are prey to many other animals and know it. Wild rabbits mate regularly for this reason. There is safety in numbers.

Pets are safe, but still rabbits. This means your pet will be ruled by the same survival instincts. Living in a stable and having every need taken care of makes no difference in their genetics.

Do rabbits have a mating season?

Domestic rabbits can mate all year round. Indoor rabbit bodies are not dictated and regulated by the weather. Wild rabbits are more likely to mate at certain times of the year.

This is a safety issue for the youth. Baby rabbits are born without fur. A mother will not stay with her young either. This is for the safety of the babies. The rabbit does not want to attract predators to a nest of defenseless young.

A rabbit’s pregnancy lasts about thirty days. This means that a rabbit pregnant in December will give birth in January. In most countries this will be the peak of winter.

Without the warmth of a nursing mother, a wild baby rabbit will freeze in winter. That is why wild rabbits usually do not mate between October and February.

At the beginning of spring, rabbits notice the change in weather. Winter coats are shed and wild rabbits become more irritable. This is where the saying “mad as a March hare” comes from.

For pets, this is irrelevant. While your rabbit will still shed fur depending on the season, that’s all. Domestic rabbits have fewer logistical concerns when mating.

Because of this, you can buy baby rabbits from pet stores all year round. When a rabbit lives indoors, it doesn’t know the seasons outside. The same is true if you have pet rabbits in your home.

Will spaying a rabbit prevent it from going into heat?

Sterilizing your wife will drastically reduce the hormones in her body. That means she won’t be in heat. Your rabbit will be calmer and easier to handle.

This goes double for male rabbits. Any aggression and frustration associated with untapped sexual potential will evaporate.

Does it sound like you’re denying your rabbit one of life’s simple pleasures? You are not. You’re just helping her become the pet she wants to be. Domestic rabbits have no biological breeding needs.

It is not a pet’s responsibility to maintain the species population. Spaying or neutering your rabbit eases this burden. They remove unwanted biological urges that serve no purpose in your pet.

Spaying and neutering has also been shown to improve a rabbit’s health. The risk of cancer, especially in female rabbits, drops sharply after the procedure. In many ways, not spaying or spaying as early as possible is irresponsible.

Do female rabbits bleed when it’s hot?

Female rabbits don’t experience their periods the same way humans do. That means your pet won’t bleed when it’s hot. If she does, it indicates that something is wrong.

As The House Rabbit Society explains, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s life-threatening. Your pet may produce discolored urine due to something it has eaten.

If the blood isn’t in your rabbit’s urine, seek help. No rabbit should ever bleed freely. This indicates that your pet has injured itself in some way.

Is it painful for a rabbit to be in heat?

Painful is perhaps too strong a word to use. However, there is no doubt that a rabbit on heat will be uncomfortable. A biological urge will drive them. Preventing them from acting on it will make their life miserable.

She needs to mate to be comfortable. If she can’t do that, she won’t be able to rest. The same goes for a male rabbit. He is driven by an impulse that cannot be stilled or tempered.

Spaying or neutering your pet is not mean. It’s the kindest thing you can do. House rabbits want to be pets. Rooting out unwanted wild instincts will help them achieve this goal.

Can a rabbit in heat get pregnant without mating?

An intact male is required to impregnate a female rabbit. Like any mammal, fertilization is essential. It takes two intact rabbits, with the male mounting the female.

In addition, this fertilization must occur through active mating. If there are traces of rabbit sperm in a rabbit hutch, it will not result in pregnancy. Even so, it’s best to clean the coop in the name of hygiene.

However, the same cannot be said about a false pregnancy. A castrated female can experience a pseudopregnancy if mounted by an intact male. Even a neutered male dog can trigger this reaction from mounting up, although this is less likely.

Does a rabbit go into heat during pregnancy?

While your pet is pregnant, she will not come into heat. This is the only time she is left alone by other rabbits. The same applies if she experiences a false pregnancy.

Even so, your rabbit’s behavior will be similar when it is in heat. She will be moody and territorial. She will react with anger if you mess with her coop, especially when she is nesting.

Also note that it doesn’t take long for a rabbit to recover from pregnancy. She will be back in heat within three days. This will not go unnoticed by intact male stablemates.

An unplanned rabbit pregnancy is unfortunate. Two is careless. Take the necessary measures to prevent this from happening again.

Female rabbit is neutered but male wants to mate with her

If you’ve neutered your female rabbit, you may think she’s safe from male attention. This is not the case for two reasons.

An un-neutered male rabbit retains his reproductive urge. He will try to mate with anything that moves. This includes all females in the same pen.

Rabbit mounting behavior is not always sexual. Rabbits mount each other to show dominance and claim alpha status. Be sure to. It often leads to fights and even a false pregnancy.

Mixed pairs of rabbits should never be kept together without proper precautions. The relationship will eventually turn sour and permanently damage a bond.

Two unneutered female rabbits trying to mate

This could be a question of establishing dominance. Female rabbits are often more territorial than males. If your pet hasn’t been neutered, such instincts become overwhelming.

This behavior cannot be ignored. You may think your rabbit is safe since it cannot get pregnant. However, she can be tricked into thinking that she is. Any sexual stimulation can trigger ovulation. A false pregnancy follows.

As with male-female couples, these behaviors are also likely to lead to fights. None of the rabbits will give in and want to show weakness. The rabbits could even kill each other if left to their own devices.

Spay all female pairs before they share a coop. It will soothe the rabbits and ensure they are the loving, docile pets you were hoping for. If you don’t do this, the rabbits will be constantly fueled by hormones. This will not lead to a peaceful life.

Rabbits live in an almost constant state of heat. This is good for wild rabbits. These animals eat, sleep and reproduce. With domesticated rabbits, it’s a different story.

Your pet does not have the opportunity to mate regularly. As a result, heat ingress is a source of distress. There is no need to enforce your pet. So you should get him/her fixed at a young age.

Rabbits have many interesting behaviors and body language quirks. What do different behaviors, postures and actions of rabbits mean? Here’s a quick guide to some common rabbit behaviors.

Pet bunny hopping or dancing

Jumping or dancing is a sign of pure joy and happiness. The bunny’s “dancing” can include leaps, a binky (jumping straight up and spinning in the air), and running around.

rabbit flop

A rabbit flop is very funny and indicates a happy – and tired – bunny.

Territorial chin behavior of rabbits

Rabbits rub their chins (which contain scent glands) on objects to get their scent on them. This behavior indicates that the items belong to them and also defines their territory. The odor is imperceptible to humans.

grunt

Why do rabbits grunt? When your rabbit grunts, it usually means it’s angry – and possibly feeling threatened. Sometimes the grunt is followed by a nip or bite. Some rabbits don’t like it when you rearrange their cages while cleaning; They may grunt, attack, or even pinch you if you try. They are creatures of habit and once they get it right, they want it to stay that way.

tapping or pounding

When a rabbit stomps or taps, it indicates that he or she is scared, insane, or senses danger (real or imagined).

Silent or loud grinding of teeth

Rabbits may grind their teeth quietly when they are satisfied (e.g. when you pet them). However, loud grinding of teeth may indicate that the rabbit is in pain or sick. Take your rabbit to a rabbit vet if you hear loud teeth grinding.

Rabbit circles your feet

When a rabbit circles a person’s feet or legs, this behavior usually indicates sexual or mating behavior (even if your rabbit is neutered). It basically means “I love you”.

To play

How do rabbits play? Well, they like to push or throw things around. They can also run around the house like crazy, jumping on the furniture and acting like kids who drank too much sugar. Rabbits love toys and some will spend hours playing with their favorite toy.

Rabbit nibbles or bites

A rabbit nip is gentler than a bite. Bunnies will sniff to get your attention or politely ask you to stay out of their way. Rabbits don’t usually bite, but if they do, it doesn’t generally mean he hates you. There are many reasons that can cause a rabbit to bite; For example, he might bite if you touch him or surprise him. A rabbit can also accidentally bite while pulling on your pant leg. Another reason rabbits bite is that they have poor vision up close, so they think your finger coming towards them is food – or a predator.

To stop rabbit bites, let out a high-pitched squeak when bitten. Rabbits do this when they are injured. Since they usually have no intention of hurting you, they will be surprised that you yelled and will usually stop the behavior after a couple of times.

spray

Why do male and female rabbits spray? They mark their territory. Unneutered males mark female rabbits and their territory by spraying them with urine. Even unneutered females can indulge in this behavior. It’s another good reason to have your rabbits spayed or neutered.

Rabbits mark territory with droppings

Droppings that are not in a heap but are scattered are a sign that this territory belongs to the rabbit. This behavior sometimes occurs when a rabbit enters a new environment or when another rabbit is brought into the house. It can be temporary or permanent. Piles of poop indicate that the rabbit needs more litter box training.

Rabbit in Trouble: Shrill Scream

This is an indication that your rabbit is injured or dying. Please see a doctor immediately.

False pregnancy in rabbits

Even if a rabbit is not pregnant, an unneutered female will sometimes build a nest, pulling hair from her chest and abdomen to line the nest. She may even stop eating – a behavior that usually occurs the day before birth.

Train pet rabbits and reduce unwanted behavior

Rabbits, like other pets, are occasionally naughty. If that happens, remember that you should never hit a rabbit. It’s cruel and they don’t understand why they’re in trouble. They can also become very angry and aggressive when provoked. Rather than punishing bad behavior, it’s usually much more effective to use positive reinforcement to encourage your rabbit to behave the way you want them to. Like many other pets, rabbits can be clicker trained.

Always be consistent when disciplining rabbits and don’t expect too much from them. Here are two humane things to try if your rabbit is a bit restless:

Shout “no” or clap your hands.

Tap your foot like a rabbit to express your displeasure.

You can help reduce unwanted behaviors in your rabbit by having them spayed or spayed, rabbit-proofing your home, and providing plenty of toys.

The following sections provide information on various rabbit-related resources in the province of Ontario, Canada.

Regional Social Media Communities

Below are some social media communities that can be useful for connecting with other rabbit owners for local resources. See Online Rabbit Communities for more global and topic-specific communities to join for more active discussions.

Name Social Media Network Notes Ontario Bunnies! Facebook A group for all Ontario bun moms and dads to connect! Ontario Canada Rabbits Facebook This group is for education and support for residents of Ontario, Canada. Not for Sale/Rehoming/Adoptions.

Rabbit rescues and shelters

For more resources, see Adoption Lists.

Rabbit Veterinarians

For more information on finding the right rabbit veterinarian for you, see Choosing a Rabbit Vet. For a list of veterinarians offering the RHDV2 vaccine in North America, see Viral Hemorrhagic Disease#Vaccination and News Sources instead.

This information is provided for your convenience only and should in no way be construed as an endorsement by the website. The following table(s) have been compiled from reliable sources which indicate that the clinics listed have a veterinarian on staff who is willing to treat rabbits. WabbitWiki cannot guarantee your satisfaction with any vet – please call and ask your own questions before visiting any of the clinics below.

Rabbit Emergency Clinics and Specialists

Please call first to ensure a rabbit experienced vet is on call or on duty at the emergency clinic before you leave.

For more resources on rabbit veterinary emergencies, visit Veterinary Emergencies.

Name Address City Phone Notes Campus Estates Animal Hospital 1460 Gordon St Guelph, ON N1L 1C8 519-837-1212 [5] 24/7 emergency clinic.[6]

Inexpensive rabbit neuter clinics

For more resources, see Inexpensive Spay/Neuter Clinics.

Name City Phone Notes Claremont Veterinary Services Claremont, ON L1Y 1A2 905-649-1993 Spay: $450; Neuter: $250 and $15-25 for take-out painkillers.[8] Includes nail trimming and 24 hour pain relief injection at the time of surgery. Southeastern Ontario Spay Neuter Clinic Trenton, ON K8V 5P5 613-392-7729 Neuter: $175 + HST[9]

Rabbit board and bunny sitter

For more information on vacationing with a rabbit, see Going on vacation.

This information is provided for your convenience only and should in no way be construed as an endorsement by the website. The table below has been compiled from reliable sources indicating that the companies listed do care for rabbits. We cannot guarantee your satisfaction with any company – please call and ask your own questions before using any of the companies listed below.

If a company requires your rabbit to be vaccinated before services can be provided, please see our North American RHDV2 resources at Viral Hemorrhagic Disease #Vaccination and News Resources to find a nearby veterinarian or clinic that can provide your Rabbits may be able to vaccinate.

Wildlife rehabilitation facilities

See Wild Rabbits for more information on what to do if you find a wild rabbit.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Provincial List of Authorized Wildlife Rehabilitators in Ontario

hay springs

See Hay for more resources on choosing the right types of hay.

Name Location Phone Notes Merrybrook Farm Milton, ON 905-878-6237 45 minute drive from Toronto. Call and ask for Bob Merry. Timothy mix and alfalfa are available for $6/bale.[11] Supplier to Rabbit Rescue Incorporated.[12]

See also

references

Spaying and neutering your pet rabbit is just as important as spaying or neutering your cat or dog. Rabbits can usually be operated on when they are 4-6 months old. This can depend on the breed of rabbit and their size. An examination by one of our veterinarians is required prior to the operation, during which the doctor will perform a full physical examination of your pet and answer any questions you may have about spaying and neutering. A pre-anaesthetic blood count prior to surgery will ensure your rabbit is healthy internally as well. The following are the main benefits of having your pet rabbit neutered/neutered:

· Eliminating the risk of ovarian/uterine cancer and other uterine diseases such as pyometra (infection of the uterus) in women. The risk of developing uterine cancer increases as the rabbit ages. It is best to spay before the rabbit is 2 years old to greatly reduce the risk.

· Reduce aggressive behavior Both male and female rabbits (especially females!) can exhibit aggressive behavior such as biting and jumping. Rabbits that were once easy to handle can be very difficult to catch once they reach sexual maturity.

· Reducing urine marking behavior Male and female rabbits can spray urine onto vertical surfaces to mark their territory. It is more commonly seen in men than women. The urine of a sexually mature male also has a fairly strong odor. If the behavior is allowed to continue, it may be impossible to completely stop spaying, so it is best to spay before or shortly after puberty to curb this behavior before it becomes a habit.

Spaying and neutering also have other benefits for your pet rabbit. These are problems we don’t see that often, but can occur:

· Prevention of false pregnancies, prevention of diseases of the mammary glands such as mastitis and prevention of diseases of the testicles.