Female Rabbit Behaviour almost 3 months

[Brittinay]

I often hear that people tell me I must get my rabbit spay. I had a boy rabbit and I never got him neutered he NEVER became aggressive or mean in anyway he was almost two he has past away. My rabbit now is a girl and she is almost 3 months she shows no signs of aggression at all she loves being petted sitting on my lap, playing and licking etc. I was told once they hit about 4 months they become very mean with biting , scratching and hissing . I was also told this can be taken care of by getting her spay early. Do I really have to get her spay? I kind of dont want to put her through surgery I love her how she is now but that doesnt mean she wont change. I was wondering is it very often people come upon this issue with unspay female rabbits? What should I do?

Thanks 

[LBJ10]

It is certainly not unusual for female rabbits to develop these types of behaviors. When they hit puberty, they will become hormonal. This can lead to aggressive and territorial behaviors. They can also have false pregnancies.

While it isn’t absolutely vital to have a male rabbit neutered, this isn’t the case with females. They have an extremely high risk of developing reproductive cancer by the time they are 3 or 4 years old. That is why it is highly recommended to have them spayed. It is to keep your bun healthy and to allow them to live a long life. Males do not have the same health risk, so neutering them is usually to help with behavior or to make it so they can be bonded with another rabbit.

[Brittinay]

thanks so she is almost 3 months when should I plan to get her spay? about how much does this cost.

[LongEaredLions]

Vets will spay a rabbit anywhere from 4-8 months, depending on the rabbit. Spaying can cost anywhere from $85-$500, but it averages about $160(at least in my area), but if you have to, pay a bit more to get a rabbit savvy vet.

[LBJ10]

Most vets won’t do it before 5 or 6 months. You do want to let their bodies grow and develop a little bit, so that is mostly why. The cost is going to vary by area. I’ve heard anywhere between $80 and $500 from people on here. I was charged $125, if I remember right. But that was for a neuter. Spaying costs a little more. Your best bet is to call around to all the rabbit savvy (usually labeled as “exotic”) vets and get price quotes. You can also see if the local rescues/shelters have a vet who will do it for a reduced cost.

[Brittinay]

is it possible if I do not get her spay right away that the behvaiour will calm down until I can afford to pay that much . Right now money is very tight because of the government shutting down my job area we arent getting much business. shes not quite three months yet either.

[LongEaredLions]

The behaviors likely won’t change until she is spayed, but she can’t be fixed for around 2 months anyway, so you have time to save your money.

[LBJ10]

You can wait a little longer to have her spayed (not too long though). Just be prepared to deal with her hormonal craze. It likely will not subside though. Although most people don’t wait to find out because their bun has turned into too much of a little terror.

 EDIT: When I said a little longer, I meant longer than waiting for her to reach 6 months. People have done it at 9 months or even a year with no problems health-wise. But you also run the risk of “bad” behaviors developing into habits.

[jerseygirl]

Not all rabbits display those behaviours. It varies. If your girl isn’t too bad once she reaches puberty, you can probably schedule a spay for a bit later. 9-12 months old for example. Hopefully by then your work situation will be more secure.

[Beka27]

I got my rabbit when she was about 4 months old. She was a perfect angel until 5.5 months old. That was when it all “hit the fan”! Her spay appointment was scheduled for when she turned 7 months old, and those 1.5 hormonal months were TERRIBLE! I was counting down the days!!!

Not every bunny gets as bad as mine did, but as mentioned, even if bad behavior isn’t as issue, the health concerns are very real.

You mentioned that your first bunny passed away when he was only 2. That is very, very young for a domestic rabbit. Your girl should be able to live 10+ years with proper diet and vet care.

[Brittinay]

thanks for the feed back everyone

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