Do Rabbits Need Spaying And Neutering?

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Any other thoughts or questions on spaying and neutering? Leave them below! ⬇

[@rubymydear1318]

Hi there I like your channel and learned so much from you! Can you talk about how to avoid poop war for bonded pairs? I know it is an advanced topic but it is bothering many ppl in rabbit communites and hindering ppl from adopting a second bunny. You seem to keep your space pretty clean with your pair! Any tips for that?

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

@@rubymydear1318 I'm not sure how you are defining "poop war" exactly, but territorial poops should be minimal if the rabbits have a solid bond. They will always leave the odd poop balls in their favourite areas though. And, obviously the more rabbits one has, the greater the frequency of said poop balls 😅 Also, when a rabbit has an enclosure, as opposed to being 100% free roam, they do tend to leave more poops within their enclosure. As for our home, I always pick up any stray balls I see.

[@rubymydear1318]

@@TheBunniesBrigade Thank you for the detailed answer! My buns are well bonded but they still poop over particular spots or objects. But I am feeling better to see it is a normal "issue." I just sometimes miss the day before they were bonded and both of them were so impeccable with litters=)

[@IMeMineWho]

US viewers should know that there are associations that will help with neutering and spaying.

[@Baileywabbit]

Other than not wanting additional bunnies by pregnancy, I neutered and spayed mine because of the HEALTH issues. Great advice on making sure you have the proper vet. They should be an exotic vet as rabbits are exotic pets. There are vets that charge very minimal, as they have limited experience with rabbits. My female bun cost $750.00 to spay, whereas my male bun cost $650.00. The vet you choose should not have you "fast" your bunny....meaning to take away food. Definitely do your research. I sincerely believe, spaying and neutering is the better choice.

[@mjmcnay3448]

My rescue rabbit center only charged me $25 to adopt and spay my bunny! Rescue centers are a great option

[@cassiusmyers5575]

Ik it’s good for your rabbits to get spaded but my two girls are from the same litter they never fought, they never bite me or chase me or my family so idk. Me personally I feel like all rabbits are different. My girls are both 2 years old now. I still give them shots but I feel no need to spaded them. They are perfectly litter trained. ❤ behavior wise is normal for them. Give what your rabbit want they will be so happy you do. Hopefully you guys bonded and have a nice day.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

I encourage you to watch my entire video, as this is a discussion on the pros and cons 🤷🏻‍♀️ As I say, around 80% of females will develop uterine cancer by the age of 6. The only way to prevent this from happening is by spaying. Of course it's your choice, think I've made that very clear in this video. I am merely presenting you with the facts.

[@Numbll]

I bought 2 male from the store, 2 months old. Right now they enjoying being with each other. Not fighting like my previous 2 female bunnies. I want them to be active so I don’t plan on doing it. Edit: they are 3 months already, they are doing well and good boys.

[@chaoticguod883]

I don’t know what’s your level of experience with bunnies but I want to warn you about possible misgendering specially when rabbits are less than 4 months old. I took mine home at 1 month of age thinking it was a female. Then at 4 months I found out it was actually male😅 their testicles appear later around 2-3 months of age. Misgendering is pretty common so I advise you to be careful if you don’t want more rabbits😅Even the vet couldn’t tell

[@Numbll]

@chaoticguod883 They're both male 😄

[@chaoticguod883]

@@Numbll ok then👍🏾 wish you the best

[@WeAreASecret]

I recently adopted a boy from a friend of mine who wasn't really able to take care of him. I was told they thought he was neutered but am pretty sure I saw some bunny balls lol. While I do consider neutering him, he also appears to be one of those weirdos who isn't aggressive at all and hasn't marked his territory outside of the first few days I had him. The risks of anesthesia do make me a bit nervous along with the financial side of things, so I think for now we're just gonna leave him be and see how things go

[@deehappy43]

The rates on uterine cancer for does being so high is pretty convincing!! Also I feel like as humans we do tend to project our own ideas and expectations around our fertility and sexuality onto animals that have very different biology. As its a source of satisfaction and bonding for many of us we assume it must naturally be the same for other animals. A particular sort of anthropomorphism?

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Yes! Totally agree.

[@hefoxed]

So, as humans we actually do the opposite. There has been a huge history in underestimating animals enjoying and being into sex. They have and enjoy and are much more into sex for most part than previously thought. If have time to listen to a good book, check out "b*tch: on the female of the species" that goes into this and the history and changing research. Preventing them from having sex is extremely ethically complicated issue. There's emerging research in dogs that traditional spay and neuter is net bad for the health of behaviors the dogs as they need those hormones to grow properly. Despite popular belief, spaying and neutering can actually increase aggression -- would not be surprised similar happening in rabbits. There is hormone sparing options at least in dogs (rabbits being smaller may be an issue), ovary sparing spay and vasectomy are the options becoming more popular as people learn about the issues. As a trans person that has had low and incorrect hormones, my experience here is slightly unusual. I feel strongly that non-consentual changing an animal's hormones has various ethical issues that aren't fully being considered due to dismissing the complexity of animals. For humans at least, having the right hormone issues is important to feeling good -- in ways that is hard to study in animals, but may be happening.

[@willowclementine]

Not to mention their reproductive system is so different than ours. Does don’t have periods like we do…that’s reason alone to be suspicious of what these people push when they say you don’t have to spay does. It’s very stupid and dangerous misinformation being spread around.

[@SayraShuchi]

If rabbit don't mate,is it in high risk?

[@willowclementine]

@@SayraShuchi Good question, uterine cancer is still extremely high whether or not your rabbit mates and have children. I have learned this myself the hard way.

[@angcrandall4065]

The peeing! Oh my girl peed on the couch, us, my bed (repeatedly), wouldn’t give her a carrot, peed next to me. It’s funny now, but not in that moment. I had her blood tested before to make sure she didn’t have any underlying health issues that would make surgery dangerous. The vet that does the rescue where I got my other 3 have only lost one I think. And they do a lot of bunnies. The $450 was a lot and for sure will adopt from a rescue forever more. We all learn as we go in the bunny world. Thank you for a great video.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Ang 🙂

[@mjmcnay3448]

My poor girl bun is waiting to get spayed because she has to get up to 4 lbs to be big enough and now she is hormonal digging, thumping, and nipping…. I can’t wait for her hormones to balance out

[@smodge1970]

Hi Lianna, I just picked up my darling little boy this afternoon from the vet, after his surgery today. He was just weeing in inapropriate places (like my bed), even though he was going to the litter bin. Loved your vid - so many people really need to get their pets nutered for many reasons, not just filling up animal shelters with abandonad pets,. And yes it was a bit pricey (AUD$200 ish), but for peace of mind for his health and behaviour was worth it. He is still a bit groggy atm, and he has a little bit of food - Im just glad to have him home 🐰

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Hope your boy is well, Melissa, and doing better now he’s fixed. Thank you for your comment 🙂

[@Laurenlee87721]

Hi Lianna, I’m a new bun mum living in Melbourne. My place is pretty close to RSPCA, do you think it is a good idea to get it done with them? Thank you!

[@mirelavoiculescu]

Nice video. I do it because nobody receives him while I’m in vacation. Otherwise he is not aggressive at all. No Bad behavior but on the other hand he has his own home so I might not see all his behaviors

[@IMeMineWho]

What do you mean by "receives him" when you are on vacay? And what do you mean by "his own home?" My boy has his own room for when I go to sleep but is otherwise free roam indoors. Do you mean a castle or outdoor hutch? Kinda confused by that..pardon me as it is 7am and I am on my first ☕.

[@mirelavoiculescu]

@@IMeMineWho like the daycares around do not receive any non-neutered bunnies. He has his own hutch, insulated and with a corrugated metal panel roof, like a little house. Nice to hear you are free roaming your rabbit, I wish I could do that but it doesn’t work out in my home unfortunately. Lucky bunny 🐰

[@SnuffalupagusRising]

Thoughts on males who still spray after neutering? My boy likes to, um, spritz his sisters or spray favorite beds/toys on occasion. He isn't stressed, nothing new in his environment, free roam with tons of toys and litterboxes, and has been long neutered and bonded. It actually started once he gained more confidence. He's a cuddle bug, but obsessed with chinning and spritzing his mark on everything. Not aggressive at all, very dopey and relaxed aside from this quirk. Not a big deal, but just curious.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Hmm... This is unusual. I would need to know even more details to try to pinpoint what could be happening. My best guess would be the strength of the bond, as unaltered rabbits will totally mark territory if they are not properly bonded. What's the story of their bond? Did they go through a bonding process or did they just happen to have maintained a baby bond? Is he using his litter box otherwise? Also, you said "once he gained more confidence". What do you mean by that exactly? Have you not had him long? You're welcome to shoot me a private message on Instagram, if you like.

[@SnuffalupagusRising]

@@TheBunniesBrigade Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply! I'll shoot you a message on IG. They did go through the bonding process, but Cloud was a very shy bun when they originally bonded. I'd love your input on the situation!

[@maryneedham419]

Your Wallace looks like my previous Holland Lop buns Twin m But mine was a Female so adorable I'm finally getting two new Holland Lops they're sisters and they've been together since birth they're bonded litter Mates and they'll be 7 months old on The 9 this video was extremely helpful thank you If my Rabbits are healthy enough to be spayed then I'm going to get them Spayed they're just super tiny and they're aren't very many rabbit savy Vets In the State Of Indiana I have 3 choices for rabbit savvy vets we really need more rabbit savy vets in the US

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

I agree. There are not many even in LA! I know you commented a little while ago. Did you go ahead and get them spayed yet? I recommend doing it as soon as possible, if you haven't already. The sooner you do it the less likely the chance of their baby bond breaking and causing you a headache.

[@adorigirl]

I will be talking to my vet when I get my rabbit vaccination next month about having him done as he is being extremely territorial. I have been putting this off as vet told me only needs doing if he is spraying or being territorial. He doesn't bite me he isn't aggressive but I can see his hormones going crazy as eek he grabbing my legs all the time and won't let go If I try to move he chases me its only really been the last few weeks he has changed. I was told by the vet that this would calm him down more but I didn't know about that post op that he would be more territorial for the month or so afterwards so thanks for that.

[@jurgitanagy6161]

hello! greetings from Hungary and bunny girl Daisy (mini Rex breed)☺ we have Daisy for a few months now and I already watched most of your videos- all amazing and very usefull! thank you! 😊 we having few worries- first one that in the shop where we got her they couldnt tell exact date of birth so we just guessing her age - we did go to vet to get first vaccine and vet said she might be around 3 months...so we ''celebrated'' her 3 months a week ago 😊 but like +- week ago she started spraying her pee 😔 and I found info that bunnies start spraying from 4th month...is there anyhow to check to know exact age of hers...because vet said that spaying can be done when she will be 6 months old - so for 2 months she will keep spraying the urine? 😟 and from the day she got home she start using her litter box and she was ok for a month or so but now she is peeing time to time on the carpet, in place where she is sleeping...on the sofa....( so we following your steps from video about litter training) and is it true that femail become mature already in 4th month- so what is about the waiting until 6 month? your advise is much appreciated! ❤

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

It sounds like Daisy may be a boy as female rabbits do not spray their pee. Some males can reach maturity as early as 12 weeks old. If "she" is a "he" and he has reached maturity your vet should be able to find his testicles. I recommend changing vet, as they don't sound terribly rabbit savvy. Males can be neutered as soon as they weigh over 1kg and their testes have dropped. Females need to weigh over 1kg, but some vets like to wait until they reach 6 months of age to perform the procedure.

[@butterpeacanrican25]

I've watched so many videos about getting rabbits fixed. I took my 9 month old boy Merlin to the exotic vet, and he died during the process. I felt such guilt. My heart was broken. His blood work and fecal were normal. I just don't understand why? I have a new baby, and I am terrified of getting it done to her. 😢

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Oh my. I'm so so sorry to hear this 😔. Did the vet offer you any insight as to what happened? If it were me, I'd strongly consider going elsewhere next time as I'd be doubting the competency of their anesthetist. If it helps at all, the probability of this happening to you again is so so slim. 💚

[@Sag3mentalworld]

That's why I can't do that😢

[@SilverAlert1]

Help? Question…what’s my bunny Harlie doing? I have been working on getting her ready for free roaming. She is out 4 to 6 hours a day. About two weeks ago I made leaps an bounds. She started pushing her nose into my hand. She wants me to pet her along the jawline and nose. About 3 days ago she started doing it again but added following my hands and seems aggressive doing this. She still allowed me to rub and pet her nose as well as the petting her scruff under her chin. Now she has started to follow my hands and get up on my lap. She started licking my hands and arms, but has added in a little nip here and there. Whoa, what’s up with this? She doesn’t seem mad or upset, just very hyper. She doesn’t break the skin but it’s not pleasant. Any ideas? Would having her spayed stop this? I’m at a loss. She enjoys attention but it ramps up really quickly and she gets hyper.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

How old is she? 6 months-ish? It sounds like typical coming of age behaviour. Spaying will help, if you haven't done so already (I know you left this comment some time ago now). You can also give a high-pitched squeal every time she nips, and even gently get up and walk away. Rabbits instinctually understand a squeal as, "Ow, that hurts!" And getting up and walking away removes any reward she was getting from interacting with you.

[@SilverAlert1]

@@TheBunniesBrigade surprisingly she stopped doing this within a week or so after I posted. Never had her spayed.

[@SharonWallace-um1pf]

Thank you so much!

[@SharonWallace-um1pf]

My male rabbit bites me....he jumps my leg at times but will neutering him calm him down.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Dunno if you've gone ahead with his neuter yet, but yes, it should stop this behaviour.

[@pameladippre4386]

heard you mention vaccinations. Could you clarify what those would be as my vet said there aren't any for rabbits.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

RHDV2 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease) and Myxomatisis. However, the Myxomatisis vaccine is not available in the US or Australia and in the UK it is included in the RHDV jab. I don't know where you are based but do a Google search of whether they are available in your country. If they are, find a different vet who stocks them.

[@IMeMineWho]

In the US, there are a few. Shiloh Mobile Clinic does the RHDV vax. My bun is an inside bun and they say he is low risk, but it is similar to human covid in risk level if you live in an area with wildlife and if your bun comes in contact with other buns or lives outdoors, you want to look into it. The cost they gave me was around 260 if I recall. But appointments fill quick as even some exotic vets do not do it. I have to wait 6 weeks but my boy will get his.

[@RebeccaSpencer-zy6hn]

What age should you get then neutered would you say? Does neutering at 3months reduce growth?

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

No at all. Boys can be neutered as soon as their testis drop and so long as they are over a kilo. Girls need to be at least a kilo, but some vets may ask you to wait until they’re 6 months. Speak to your vet to find out what they’re comfortable with.

[@rubymydear1318]

Just out of curiosity-how do you manage two bunnies jealous of each other? When I cuddled with one the other would become miffed for quite some time. Please consider shooting more videos on multiple bunnies! Have seen very few good videos on this topic.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Cuddle both at the same time, or give the other some love afterward.

[@rubymydear1318]

@@TheBunniesBrigade Thank you so much! Ll give it a try. Would love to see more of your two buns!

[@astartup]

My Flemish giant male has been attacking me, you need to get them neutered. We have 20 rabbits. This is expensive AF.

[@Sag3mentalworld]

I happen to be 10 year old. And my mom won't pay😢

[@cilantrocircus3942]

do you think it's possible to bond an unfixed male with a spayed female? Have you heard of successful examples? My boy is very chill with no problematic behavior, and there are spayed females in shelters I could adopt.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

It's probably not impossible but could be very challenging. His hormones may get the better of him when introduced to a lady. There'll also be a higher risk of the bond breaking even once it is established.

[@arielsanchez1490]

Hello, do you take on new bunny clients or do bunny group trainings? I have two bunnies that I would really like to have trained.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Yes, I do! 🙂 If you are local I offer in-person trainings. If not, we can work something out virtually. I hope to have this website set up in the coming months to make this all easier for everyone! Until then, you can either email me or shoot me a DM on Instagram: @thebunniesbrigade

[@Te3time]

I used to have 5 females and none of them were spayed and they all lived between 5 and 8 years so idk if we just got lucky or what But anyway I just got a male bunny and I'm wondering at what age are they considered adults? I don't like the idea of neutering any animal before they have fully matured but the only info I can find is that they're sexually mature around 6 months which ig is when they enter puberty but at what point are they actually adults?

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

It is my advice is to neuter as soon as they reach the required weight, and that’ll be the advice you’ll get from any good vet. They should be at least a kilo (around 2lbs). If you want to wait until they are fully grown you can research the average weight of your breed, and wait until they reach that weight. However, the longer you wait after they come of age, the more chance of a big hormone spike post surgery. The average life-span of a fixed rabbit is 10-12 years (with the exception of giant breeds).

[@languages4all294]

I was going to say the same. 5-8 years isn't very long. Mine lived until he was 12 years.

[@crystalanderson2058]

I am getting my rabbits fixed they have their surgery February 6th I'm nervous because it's a 50/50 chance during the procedure so scary I'd die if something happened to my babies. I have to because they are not the same sex like we had thought.

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

There shouldn't be a 50% chance of them not making it. Who gave you these statistics? Do your rabbits have any underlying health conditions? As explained in the video [10:11] the fatality rate is well under 1% for healthy rabbits. If your vet told you they have a 50/50 chance of survival, I would go elsewhere.

[@crystalanderson2058]

@@TheBunniesBrigade oh wow really the veterinarian told us this but she said she hasn't had any bleed out on her cause I guess they bleed easy and can bleed to death.

[@crystalanderson2058]

@@TheBunniesBrigade no they are both completely healthy

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

@@crystalanderson2058 This is a red flag for me, I've got to be honest. They should not be bleeding out...? 😳 Is this an exotic vet? What country are you in, if you don't mind me asking?

[@crystalanderson2058]

@@TheBunniesBrigade united states I love in Cincinnati Ohio yeah she's a exotic vet the vet is called rolling hills.

[@yb1386]

4:21 i wish I could do that lol

[@TheBunniesBrigade]

Ha!