Spaying Rabbits

[Maisy]

Hi

I am thinking about getting my rabbit (female) spayed but I was just wondering if I could get peoples advice on it. Pros and Cons, Vet prices (Im in Australia) ideal age, and any other useful information

Thanks

[Elrohwen]

I really don’t think there are any cons! It will make her happier and more well behaved. It will also completely prevent reproductive cancers which have about an 80% rate by age 3. Fixed rabbits are easier to litter train and have less accidents. You can also potentially bond her to a partner in the future if she’s spayed.

I guess a con is that it costs money, but I would gladly spend the money to allow my little girl to live a long and healthy life.

[Maisy]

well that pretty much convinces me Do you know roughly what age tgey should be?

[Beka27]

Most vets will do it at about 6 months. If you wait much later than that, you’re going to see an increase in aggressive and territorial behavior.

For prices, you’ll have to call your local vets. It varies from one area to another. When you call, ask for the TOTAL price, make sure that the cost of anesthesia and pain meds are included in the price.

[Maisy]

Thank you for that, Maisy is currently 15 weeks old. Should I start enquiring soon about prices etc or is she still to young? And also, what sort of care is needed after surgery? Should I keep her inside for a few days afterwards or will she be ok to go back to normal?

[Elrohwen]

You can start calling around now to get some estimates. Many vets also like to do a pre-surgery checkup, so you can schedule that earlier. The price really does vary, so spending time to find a good vet who doesn’t charge an arm and a leg is a good idea.

After surgery you want to keep rabbits quiet for a week or two and limit running and jumping. Some don’t eat immediately after surgery, so being around to offer them favorite foods or even force feed some critical care is important. If she’s normally an outdoor rabbit, I think keeping her inside where you can keep an eye on her would be a good idea.

[Maisy]

Yes she is an outdoor rabbit, so I will probably keep her inside for a few days after her surgery I will probably wait a few more weeks before I take her to get it done because 1) I dont want to get her done too young and 2) She is just recovering from being quite sick so I want to get some more weight on her and let her recover a bit more before she has surgery Thanks for the advice

[Joyfull_music]

The only con I can think of is the risk that goes with any surgery on any animal. And even that risk is very minimal, especially with an experienced vet.

[Monkeybun]

Definitely keep her inside. keep her inside forever after if you can It’s much safer for her

[BinkyBunny]

 I found this Australian Rabbit Savvy vet list link http://members.shaw.ca/cocoasun/Aus…itVets.htm    

SOURCE: Came from the Australian Rabbit bunny site  Boingonline.com

 

[Maisy]

Thank you everyone for your advice. Monkeybun, I cant keep Maisy inside forever and she is perfectly happy outside anyway, thanks for your concern though

[LoveChaCha]

Why do you insist on keeping her outside for?

 There are so many predators outside

[brittbritt]

You can’t see your rabbit’s true personality unless you interact with them daily especially in an indoor environment. Gabby was kept in a garage this last winter and then the people gave her to me. Her personality has blossomed and she is practically out in half the house during the day and is really good in here. I couldn’t imagine her being outside at all.

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

Although I agree that it is fun to have rabbits inside, rabbits can live full and happy lives outdoors as well. The predator concern is not valid as any responsible owner would ensure they were safe outdoors.

I have had rabbits outdoors for 10 years and they all lived to be old. Rabbits live in the wild and love to be able to run in the grass. We built them a huge run (10 feet by 12 feet) that is as secure as a dog kennel. It has concrete on the bottom to prevent digging out or predators in. They get fresh air, sunshine and constant supply of dandelions and Timothy Hay. It was created to be a natural environment with natural wood boxes handmade, branches from trees, stumps and hollowed out trunks.

I understand your opinion on indoor bunnies (I do have one now) but you have to realize rabbits ‘outside’ doesn’t mean the rabbit is kept in a tiny cage in the backyard with no love.

Alot of indoor rabbits are kept in tiny cages with no attention either and no fresh air. Everyone is entitled to an opinion about the care of their pets  Even though you like an indoor bunny that doesn’t mean people are wrong to keep their outdoors as long as it is cared for properly. Rabbits are not tiny dogs as much as they seem it sometimes ha!

[LoveChaCha]

I understand that, the point that people are trying to make is that, even though wild rabbits live outdoors, it does not meant domestic ones are supposed to. Domestic rabbits are completely different in their survival in the wild.

There are not only predators, as I stated, but there are diseases in the outdoors. I do understand that rabbits in different countries have to be given shots to prevent certain diseases. I believe that the predator concern is valid, that is my opinion.

From my point of view, I would not take any chances with my rabbit, who I see as a family member being outside.

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

Yes understand this completely. I would never have allowed my rabbits to fend for themselves outdoors but I do think rabbits can live happily outdoors IF they are given the right care and security. I too think of my rabbits as my babies but our family does the best for our pets. Not many people do create a secure environment outside but in my case I live in an area with little to no predators as our dog ensures this. I am not saying all people keeping rabbits outdoors do it safely but in my case mine they were completely safe. Once again, I do not think everyone should keep rabbits outside but if done properly it can work. This is your opinion but I feel it is not right to judge the poster for how they keep their pet.

That being said I now live away from my parents and enjoy my rabbit indoors. I enjoy being able to see him more often and see him run around but I do not think it is cruel or irresponsible for rabbits to be kept outdoors if they are happy, healthy and comfortable

[LoveChaCha]

I was not judging the poster on having her rabbit outside. I just asked her why she insists on keeping her rabbit outside.

If you have the resources to build a rabbit run outside, than that is awesome. I know of a person that has her rabbits outside during the day, and indoors at night. She has built a nice run for them to roam around in.

[BinkyBunny]

 In general, because this site is positioned as a house rabbit community, we do promote rabbits being indoors (even if they enjoy outdoor time).  So it is to be expected that there will be encouragement by members to bring rabbits indoors, not only out of harms way of predators and parasites, but just to be able to have companionship as rabbits are not solitary animals.  I think it has much less to do about the  ”fun” aspect and has more to do with a belief that having a house rabbit allows more attention and interaction that is beneficial for the rabbit.  

It also helps to spot sudden changes or illness, along with keeping a watchful eye on a bunny that may be ill. Though I don’t want anyone to feel judged harshly for having an outdoor bunny, being that we are a House Rabbit Community, we will always encourage owners to become “House Bunny” owners.   

I do understand that  an arguement can be made that the quality of life can be just as wonderful in a spacious secure outdoor enclosure.  A while back, a member and her husband built a beautiful large outdoor habitat for domestic but feral bunnies that she rescued. It was spectacular to say the least.  And I have seen some amazing outdoor enclosures that put the old small backyard hutch to shame.    And though yes, just like there are terrible outdoor enclosures, there are neglected bunnies indoors which is heartbreaking. But to compare the best of the outdoor and the best of the indoor,  I think that the bottomline is the amount of human companionship and interaction that an indoor rabbit can get is hard to match.   If someone wants to allow their rabbit to enjoy the benefits outdoors– visits outdoors can be achieved with preparation. 

As you said B & F “That being said I now live away from my parents and enjoy my rabbit indoors. I enjoy being able to see him more often and see him run around”  

I think that is all that most members want to encourage.

The persistance to bring a bunny inside may come off as judgemental at times,  (though I think in this case, it was more of misunderstanding as I read it differently —since the member had said she would just keep in her bunny inside for a few days after she was spayed—it would be a good idea to keep a close eye on her for more than just a few days.).  But within a written format it is easy to have misunderstandings and I think both of you, LoveChaCha and B&F have discussed this civally.  

However, I do not want this to get into a heated debate –   If Maisy wants to learn and be open to bringing her bunny inside, we are here to help with that.   But for now, I do encourage members to stick to the subject of the thread at this point—which is the pros and cons of getting a rabbit spayed.  

So Maisy — here are some articles to read regarding the benefits of spaying. 

http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/spay.shtml

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/spay-neuter.html

 

[Maisy]

Guys I cant keep Maisy inside, My parents wouldnt let me and she HATES it when I bring her inside anyway. Just because I keep her outside doesnt mean I dont spend time with her. I sit with her for hours just watching her eat, she is safe from predators and I can notice changes in behaviour in her just as quickly as someone who keeps their rabbit inside and I think that keeping them outside keeps them healthier anyway. They get to graze on grass as well as all of their other food rather than only being limited to vegies and pellets, they get fresh air and they arent exposed to any chemicals. I understand this is a house rabbit forum but I came here for help and support and not to be judged because my rabbit isnt able to live inside.

[Maisy]

And thank you BB I would love to keep Maisy inside but as I keep saying it is not possible for me to do so maybe when I move out in a few years time she can live inside with me then but for now she is more than happy to be outside. And my family is outside most of the time anyway so she gets plenty of human attention.

[Beka27]

Will your family let you house her indoors for her recovery period, the first week?

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

Thanks BB your post really cleared everything up to me!

I’m not sure if it was a misunderstanding but I just get upset when posters say “outside” like it is a death sentence or cruelty. I do agree that, if possible, rabbits inside are a safer in most cases and you get to see their personalitymore. I also feel rabbits shouldn’t always be kept indoors as they do need fresh air and sunlight. I also feel offended when posters make it sound like rabbits outdoors are less loved or not members of the family. That is not something you can state about a person you do not know…

I also realize this IS a house rabbit community and I joined here as I am interested in creating a nice indoor environment for my bunny Freddie.

Thanks again for your well-worded post Great forum here!

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

Oh and Love Cha Cha I respect your opinion, I too feel it is lovely having my bunny inside and I look forward to learning more here

[Monkeybun]

In my case, I have rabbits that are terrified of Outside. And theres a problem with myxomitosis here in Oregon, which the buns can get from insects. So I’d rather not risk it. They can get sun and fresh air through my windows just fine

[Tate]

Mine FREAK out when they are outside! Lol. I’m always afraid of any pesticides that have been sprayed as well, although I could see how that worry would be eliminated if you had your own yard. I get worried about bugs and stuff though.
Just curious, Brittany-and-Freddie- do you have pictures of your outdoor enclosure? It sounds cool! If I ever get a house, I would consider building a nice enclosed space for my rabbits just for the daytime when I’m home and in the spring/summer when it’s warm. I love looking at people’s set ups though.

[LoveChaCha]

I live in an apartment with a nice sized sunroom The landlord said the apartment has natural lighting, and that is what my dad and I ended up with.

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

I can definitely understand not forcing scared bunnies outside! I also wouldn’t feel comfortable letting him outside in the city, living in the country eliminates a lot of risks lol! Plus in Ontario, Canada we do not have any widespread illlnesses rabbits catch (could be wrong but haven’t encountered any)
Oh lucky you to have a sunroom! My apartment has a large balcony I may bunny proof soon!
I will post a picture of my enclosure for sure Tate!

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

I just quickly wanted to say sorry if I came off as angry before, the only reason I was a bit put off was that my dad and I put TONS of money and work into a safe and fun enclosure for the rabbits to make them happy

 

We usually have hay lining the floor but in this picture we didn’t. Litter boxes in the corner, ramps, cat tree and a little house. The floor is cement and a tin roof. We used very sturdy wire, not chicken wire. The door also latches. There are wooden boxes up top to get some quiet time too. The bunnies would always binky around and I would sit it there and watch them for hours Good times!

[Tate]

Ooooohhhh! So fancy! I would definitely like something like that in the summer for the boys!
You have to realize that on here, most people see rabbits living outside in horrid conditions- whether it’s out in too cold of weather or too hot of weather, small hutches, no lovin’s… I like having my booboos inside with me We just can’t expect everyone that has a bun to build such a cool space like you did! If they have to be in a tiny 2 ft x 4 ft cage, at least put them inside, ya know?
I LOVE this though! It’s so cool and obvious you put so much work into it!

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

Thanks so much Tate! This is at my parents’ house so I don’t use it anymore, Freddie lives with me indoors in the city. But it was awesome to have when I was younger! My dad really spoiled me with this hah! It is definitely sturdy as our 1 year old Golden Retriever (70 pounds) was put in here a few times and despite trying couldn’t make a dent in it ha!
By the way Tate your bunny is adorable, I love Hollands. I have a Fuzzy Lop now but have had many before

[Beka27]

That is a very impressive outdoor habitat! Like Tate said tho, it’s not common that rabbits would get such “royal treatment”, so you are definitely the exception rather than the rule. When people say “outdoors”, we naturally equate that with “small wood hutch with wire floors”, unless they can show us otherwise. People also seem to think that there are no temperature requirements for rabbits. An enclosure like that may be fantastic for Canada, but in other areas where the summers get up to 90-100+ degrees, rabbits should not be subjected to that. There are areas of the world where outdoor living is safer than others, in terms of temperature, predators, pests, common use of pesticides, etc… So it does help to be familiar with dangers that other members may experience, even if that never applied to you.

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

Thanks Beka Oh I definitely agree! Most outdoor bunnies don’t have a ‘gym’ as we called it ha! Luckily in Canada our summers are only hot for a few weeks and during this time we took extra measures to keep them comfy.

[Monkeybun]

At one point when I lived in Medicine Hat, AB it would get so hoooot in the summer. Near desert conditions, Medicine Hat is. So not ALL of canada is nice and comfy It would be easily 35 every summer, constantly. Ew.

[BinkyBunny]

That is one fancy pants outdoor habitat! Nice! In our habitats section, I started a gallery for exceptional outdoor runs (for outdoor visits – not for overnight) but it has been very difficult to fill up that gallery as the really neat runs and habitats, like yours, are harder to find. At the moment the photos that are there are of the habitat I was talking about – the member and her husband built for the feral rabbits she rescued. So it is not officially just an outdoor run, but hey, if it inspires someone to make a safer outdoor run based on that example, then I’m happy with that as an outdoor run option!

Here is the habitat gallery — scroll down to “Safer Outdoor Runs:
https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/RabbitHabitats/tabid/71/Default.aspx

[Brittany-and-Freddie]

Thanks BB! And you are definitely welcome to use my picture if you want to! I have many pictures of how we made it too.

[BinkyBunny]

Thanks. I may do that. I just have to remember to bookmark this thread so I can do that when I am ready to add to the gallery.

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