Neutering

Hi guys

I'm going to get a rabbit soon (already ordered the cage) but I'm not sure whether i should neuter my future rabbit. What are your opinions on this?

Hi,

Neutering is always recommended. If you are purchasing a doe, spaying will eliminate the risk of uterine cancer - which is rather common, unfortunately - and make her less moody. If you're purchasing a buck, neutering him will stop him spraying urine (eeeew!), honking/circling/general un-neutered rabbit behaviour and is just better for them. It means they don't spend their lives frustrated with their hormones, which is obviously unpleasant!

Neutering also means rabbits are more likely to tolerate another rabbit. Did you know that rabbits do better in pairs? That's not to say they can't live alone - mine does - but rabbits should only be single if they're in the house and get loads of attention. I can't afford another bunny or else I'd get one - it's so much nicer for them to have company of their own sort.

Also, you say you've ordered a cage. Which cage? I only ask because pretty much all commercial rabbit cages (like ferplast, the plastic ones) are too small. Rabbits need a lot of space, more than you think, and the cages you buy in Pets at Home or other pet stores will almost certainly be too small. The rabbit housing guidelines according to the Rabbit Welfare Association say rabbits need a 6ft x 2ft hutch with an 8ft x 4ft run, or around 44sqft of space as a minimum.

Good luck!

woops - double posted! Would love to see photographs of your rabbit(s) when you get it/them!

Hello :wave:

I agree with the excellent post above on all counts

absolutely agree with all of the above, bunnies need to be neutered so that they can live healthy, happy lives in pairs :wave: they also need a LOT of space

Thanks for all the great info guys. I was just asking out of interest. The cage i ordered is this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PET-RABBI..._Steamers_Cookers_PP&var=&hash=item2c8e13cd5f

I ordered the 85inch one. I will keep my rabbit indoors. The seller agreed to post to Scottish Highlands but for extra £10.

Have you thought about getting rabbits from a rescue? They'll likely be already vaccinated and neutered so you don't have to stress about the operation etc then.

I want to adopt from an animal rescue... But to adopt you have to own the house. And right now we are just renting it

You don't have to have your own house to adopt from most rescues - usually if you rent they simply ask for evidence that the landlord has agreed to you having pets, to minimise the risk of you having to give up your rabbit/s because of being found out!

Good luck x