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[Disney buns]

Hi.
We bought home two mini lops on Saturday, a girl (9weeks) and a boy (10 weeks) , they seem to be bonding well. We did lots of research and learnt that a girl and boy bond best long term.
All seems well, however the boy has tried to mount the girl a few times, as far as I'm aware they are too young to be fertile. Is this true? The vets seem unclear. We dont want babies ( and she is far too young) and want them BOTH neutered and spayed.
Should we put chicken wire down the middle of their house so they are together and can see and smell eachother to maintain bond but he cannot mount her?
When can we get them both done?
Please help, we are trying to be responsible, but first time owning two bunnies together. Thank you all

 

[Omi]

Hi and welcome to the forum. It's great that you are asking responsible questions. Your bunnies are very cute and certainly seem happy together. Yes, a male and a female usually makes for a successful bond.

Have a read of this advice, which covers the basics of this.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/neutering-castration-and-spaying

Yes, they are probably too young to be fertile, BUT they are very close to the stage where I certainly wouldn't be relaxed leaving them together. It is mainly the danger of an unwanted pregnancy, especially in a very young female. But also if they are together around puberty, they could begin to get aggressive. As they are so lovely together it would be a shame to spoil that for the sake of a few weeks.

Your boy needs to be examined to see if his testicles have descended yet. Once they have, he can be neutered straight away. Your girl will need to wait a few more weeks (16-20 weeks).

I would separate them and keep them in sight and smell of each other until after your girl has been spayed. I think I would put something a bit sturdier as a divider. Chicken wire could still allow some contact.

If you don't feel confident with how experienced your vet is with rabbits, you could post a separate thread giving your approximate location and asking for recommendations.

 

[Disney buns]

Thank you. Our local vet phoned me this evening and said they are okay to be together and are booked in in 3 weeks to both ne neutered/spayed on the same day.
I hope that was the right advice

 

[Omi]

Thank you. Our local vet phoned me this evening and said they are okay to be together and are booked in in 3 weeks to both ne neutered/spayed on the same day.
I hope that was the right advice

Did you read the article that I linked for you?

I realise that this is difficult when your vet is telling you something different and I'm sorry you are in this position, as it must be concerning.

I can only repeat what I posted earlier, which in my view is the safest option and what I would do. I wouldn't leave them together because of the admittedly slight risk of pregnancy. Also it's possible that being together unneutered at puberty could cause an upset between them. I would also not spay your girl quite so early.

 

[bunny momma]

I would keep them separated until after the spay and neuter and both are healed.