New rabbit – neutering advice

[Lexy]

Hi everyone

Yesterday I ‘adopted’ a rabbit from my friend’s neighbours. They had ‘him’ in a small hutch in their basement and had loads of children who kept picking him up and ragging him about by his ears. They clearly couldn’t look after him and asked me to take him off their hands (I’d been to see the bunny previously and took him some hay etc).

I’m pretty sure he’s actually a she having had a good look!

She is being very flirtatious, circling my feet, honking, nipping me, just trying to be as close to me as possible and get my attention all the time! She keeps lifting her back end up when I pet her too. Very very cuddly.

I was told she was 3 or 4 months old. The family who previously owned her didn’t have very good English so I’m not sure how accurate this is. Researching neutering I’m finding lots of sources that say most vets prefer to neuter once female rabbits turn 6 months as it’s a risky procedure for a small rabbit.

I’m wondering what the best thing is for her (I’ve called her Pepper). Should I wait for a month or two until she’s fully grown then take her to be neutered? I don’t want to see her frustrated and possessed by hormones for the next couple of months – I also won’t be able to start bonding her with my other rabbits until well after the operation and don’t want her to be lonely for too long.

 I’m going to make her an appointment when the vet’s open, would appreciate anyone’s thoughts in the meantime

Thanks xx

 

[MoveDiagonally]

Congrats on your new addition and thank you for rescuing her!

I would discuss spaying with your vet. Some vets are comfortable doing spays as early as 4 months while others want to wait until 6. Even if you have to wait until 6 (+ 4 weeks for hormones to dissipate) before being able to bond it’s just a few months of the lifetime they’ll have together

[Beka27]

First step is definitely taking her in for a vet exam and finding out for sure that she is a she! From there, the vet will discuss their protocol for when they spay (or neuter) but feel free to share your concerns. If she’s a good size and healthy, the vet might be willing to spay a bit sooner.

From your description of her behavior, she is right in the midst of sexual maturity, so she may actually be a bit older!

It’s possible that she may have been with your neighbors for 3-4 months, making her a month or two older than that.

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