Normal behaviour after Castration?

[Poppyann]

Hello! I found this forum whilst looking for ways to bond bunnies, and thought itd be a good place to ask this.

I got my bunny Castrated today. I understand that he would be tired and drowsy seeing as the operation was today, but I just want a little piece of mind. He does seem really tired. He doesn’t come and look at me when I go up to his cage he just kind of sits there, but he is still alert! When I try and pick him up, he doesn’t try and protest as much as he did before, he also let’s me touch his feet now. He has been eating which I know is a good sign, he’s been eating lots of hay. Does this all sound like normal behaviour for my bunny? He is going back to the vets tomorrow for a post-op check, then again in 10 days. I am planning on getting another bunny as soon as he calms down a bit, so want  know all aout ias ican.

Thank you!

[Stickerbunny]

It is normal for them to be drowsy and very docile after surgery, they just had something removed… it’s major surgery and painful ! He should get back to himself a bit more after a few days. Just make sure he keeps eating and drinking and keep an eye on the area for infection, or pulled stitches.

It is best to wait about a month before trying to bond a rabbit after neutering since it takes about that long for their hormones to calm down.

[Tate]

Yup, definitely normal. The fact that he is eating already is great! It took both of my boys about 24 hours before they were readily eating! He will be quite lazy for a few days. Try not to pick him up at all if you can manage. Of course, you will need to check the incision site daily, but the less handling, the better.
And Stickerbunny is right, it takes about a month, perhaps longer, for their hormones to die down. The next rabbit you get will need to be neutered or spayed (sex organs removed) before any bonding can happen.

[Poppyann]

Thank you for your replies everyone! Today he has been very good. He hopped out of his cage this morning to have a run around, and then relaxed under my bed. I took him for his Post operation examination, and hes doing just fine. There’s not any swelling or anything! He was perfect. Today he has drank, eaten, and basically been his normal self except wanting to lay down a bit more! (Currently he’s laxed out under my bed!)
I know that it takes a month to die down, but Im in a bit of a difficult situation. In one months time, I will be at college, (which is when I next get paid, so when I can buy a bunny), and since Ill be at college (I live in England, so this is the English kind of college), I won’t be at home as often to bond them. I know it is not the complete ideal situation to bring another rabbit home within a month, but my vet said they will check him again next week, then It should be okay for me to go ahead and bond him with another. I am going to get a male. My rabbit (Pickle) is extrememly friendly. He is very very nice to one of our dogs who likes to come in my room! He comes up to her and sees what she is doing, but my dog is scared of him bless her. I will see how it goes and make a decision soon.

[LoveChaCha]

I would advise against another rabbit.
Bonding can be really stressful, and since you are going back to school, you should focus on your studies. Who takes care of your bunny while you are at college? You should make the decision when it is ideal, and when you are 100% devoted to it time wise

Ultimately, if you decide to do it, I would let your rabbit find his own friend. Not all will want to bond with a rabbit that you pick out. If your bunny chooses not to bond with another rabbit, you will still have the responsibility to take care of it.

Rabbits’ personality is different with humans, and his attitude might change when he is with another rabbit.

[tobyluv]

Bonding can go quickly and easily or it can be difficult and take weeks or months. I know of one person who was never able to bond her two rabbits, even after months, and she finally gave up and keeps them separated. It sounds like you might not have the time right now to devote to this.

If you do decide to get another rabbit, from my personal experience and from my many years volunteering at a rabbit sanctuary, the best pairing is a neutered male and a spayed female. The House Rabbit Society also states that a male-female pairing (spayed and neutered of course) has the best chance of success. That is not to say that same sex pairings won’t work, but you will probably have better luck with a male and female. My friend who could never bond her rabbits had two females.

Are there rabbit rescue groups near you? Many of them encourage people to bring their rabbit if they are planning to get a companion for them, so that they can see which rabbit might make the best match.

[Poppyann]

I won’t actually be out of the house that often. I am only doing 3 courses, so will be at home pretty often. I dont think there are any rabbit rescue sanctuarys around near me, although I could be wrong. There is however an adoption section at some of the Pets at home stores. The one I purchased Pickle from was very good, they have rabbit experts. The adoption section has older rabbits there that need a new home; I do not know whether they are Neutered but I think they probably would be. I havent made my decision yet. I just want Pickle to be happy, which he definitely seems to be now. I am going to a place on Wednesday which happens to sell rabbits, and does have rabbit experts there (I wasn’t actually planning on going for the rabbits funnily enough!). I may ask their opinion too, then make a decision. I am a very devoted animal carer, don’t get me wrong. Going to college will not hinder my care and love for my rabbits in ANY WAY. I would sooner skip a class to make sure my bunnies are 100% happy and comfortable.

[Elrohwen]

Totally normal! My vet kept Otto overnight (that’s their standard policy) and he didn’t even start eating until the second day. When he came home he still seemed out of it even though the anesthesia had long worn off. Give him a couple days and I’m sure he’ll be back to normal.

[Poppyann]

You’ll be pleased to know he is absolutely himself! It’s the second day after the OP. He started eating on the day of the OP thank Goodness. Yesterday he was his normal cheeky self, jumping on my bed. Today he was far more excitable, having a good run around and chew. He’s been pooping, eating, drinking and acting normally, I feel lucky!

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