To neuter or not to neuter?

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This topic has 7sd replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 12 months ago by CarlieL.

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- 03/09/2011 at 10:13 PM
  strvngartist5
  Participant
  13 posts
  I adopted an 8 month old unaltered buck a week ago and have been contemplating whether or not I should neuter him. I’ve had several rabbits growing up and other pets as well, and every one of them has been spayed or neutered, however, I question whether the procedure is necessary with my bunny (named Sir) for these reasons:
  
  1. He is a bachelor and has spent his entire life as a lone rabbit (He lived alone in his previous owner’s house as well). This doesn’t seem to be a problem for him either. Because of this, I probably won’t be adopting a companion for him anytime soon if at all.
  
  2. I’ve been monitoring his behavior, watching for territorial spraying or aggression, and he exhibits none of these traits. On the contrary, he’s very pleasant mannered and better with his litterbox than any of the rabbits I had as a child.
  
  3. I’m aware of some of the health benefits from spaying a female bunny but am unaware of the benefits of neutering other than behavior control.
  
  If at any time I decide to adopt a companion for Sir or he starts behaving in an aggressive manner, or even if I hear about more benefits of neutering, I may change my mind. Does anyone have any advice for me in this case?
- 03/09/2011 at 10:30 PM
  peppypoo
  Participant
  1945 posts
  It isn’t quite as necessary to neuter a male rabbit as it is to spay a female – if you feel that his behavior isn’t a problem, and you aren’t going to let him interact with female rabbits, then the decision to neuter is entirely up to you.
- 03/10/2011 at 4:16 AM
  GrumpyBun
  Participant
  643 posts
  Yup, peppypoo sounds about right. If you’re happy with him as he is, and as a lone bun there’s no need to neuter. You must, however, make sure he remains completely unable to access other rabbits.
- 03/10/2011 at 5:05 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  There was an issue awhile back of a member who had a female rabbit that she allowed playtime in the backyard. The neighbor had a male rabbit who was allowed playtime in the backyard. Two buns will always “find a way”. Sure enough… a litter resulted.
  
  You have to be entirely sure that he will be strictly indoors, no access to outside at all. None of your friends will be bringing their bunnies by “to visit”. You also should probably avoid getting other animals (cats, dogs) if he’s unneutered. Even if a litter can’t result, the territorial and marking behavior because of an animal of another species could be problematic.
  
  There are very well-behaved, non-stinky, non-destructive, unaltered bunnies. My opinion is… just get it done anyways so you don’t have to worry about it. Life likes to throw surprises at us, and let’s say in 3 or 5 years another bunny comes along, completely unexpected. Surgical procedures are safer in younger bunnies, and healing time is typically reduced in younger bunnies. The neutering procedure is non-invasive and boys are generally much better within a day or two.
- 03/10/2011 at 6:16 AM
  Elrohwen
  Participant
  7318 posts
  I agree with the others, but I wanted to add that just because he’s been alone for 8 months doesn’t at all mean he wouldn’t enjoy a friend! Otto was alone for his first year and Hannah was alone for 3 before we got her and they love having a companion. You say you won’t want a second, but many of us say that and end up changing our minds 😉 Just something to think about.
- 03/10/2011 at 6:35 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  ^^^I must have missed that the first time I read thru your reply. MOST buns will benefit from having a companion, and most buns ARE alone for the first year or so. I do think it’s better to START with one bunny, especially for first-timers, and in a year or two, you can consider bonding. My female was a single bunny for a year before we adopted our male. Just because the time isn’t right at this time, doesn’t mean it won’t ever be.
- 03/10/2011 at 9:09 AM
  strvngartist5
  Participant
  13 posts
  Hey thanks guys, all of your info was very helpful. I think what I might do is go ahead and neuter him just to be safe. As far as a second bunny is concerned, definitely going to wait for a while on that, especially since he seems very happy as is. But I have fancied the possibility of introducing him to a nice spayed girlfriend after he’s neutered.
- 03/10/2011 at 9:29 AM
  CarlieL
  Participant
  81 posts
  But I have fancied the possibility of introducing him to a nice spayed girlfriend after he’s neutered.
  
  That’s how it all starts lol.
  
  Sounds like a good plan, good luck with your new guy!
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