Why should I de-sex my rabbit?

17 Oct 2018

Unless you plan to breed your rabbit we recommend de-sexing around six months of age.

Spaying of female rabbits eliminates the risk of unwanted pregnancy when male and female rabbits are housed together, and also prevents uterine adenocarcinoma (uterine cancer).  This cancer affects about three quarters of female rabbits over four to five years of age and is often fatal.

Castration of male rabbits reduces territorial marking (urine spraying), unwanted sexual behaviour and they are also less likely to fight with other male rabbits.

De-sexing rabbits is more complicated than in cats and dogs. Rabbits are also very sensitive to anaesthetic drugs and to pain.  Because of this special precautions must be taken to prevent complications.