Question about bonding after neuter

[Paula]

So, I’ve taken in 4 bonded males and they are really great buddies. I have their neuter appointments scheduled for 1/10 but a lady at the local rabbit rescue said that neutering can break their bonds. Is this true? If so I need to rethink whether I want to have them neutered at all.

[Wick & Fable]

Bonded rabbits will only occur after the parties have been fixed. EDIT: There are cases of unfixed male pairs, but that’s very dicey and dependent on personality. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Currently, you have 4 rabbits who happen to get along because they do not feel their hormones hit. Young rabbits will get along with anyone really. Getting them neutered will not break bonds because they are not established yet. Neutering will lay the foundation for the bonds to be created. I know it seems odd because you may see them grooming and cuddling now, but again, it’s because they’re young.

They ALL need to be neutered if you’re keeping them all. Think of their relationships as gears, turning together. Hormones are like a spike going into the gears. Once it’s there, getting the wheels to turn is not possible due to territorial instincts, mating frustrations, etc. You should separate all four rabbits from each other. If you’re not going to neuter them, it needs to be permanent separation to prevent fights (which can break out overnight, even if they seem cuddly and happy during the day).

Also, unless you see testicles on every rabbit, it’s highly possible one or multiple are actually females. Sexing young rabbits is a gamble most times. Regardless of experience, I’d say 1/3 of people are told the wrong sex because the anatomy is so small.

Bonding aside, neutering will allow your rabbit to be a pet, not driving and frustrated by its natural instincts. It’s important to have it done eventually.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Wick & Fable]

This website has an informative section about bonding. You’ve been told incorrect information (which is common in the rabbit community), so definitely review so your rabbits can be happy and healthy together!

https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/9/PID/940/Default.aspx

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Paula]

They are 2 years old and have lived together their entire lives. I would imagine if they are not all males there would have been babies by now.

[Wick & Fable]

Thanks for the additional information Paula! Typically people talk about neutering for rabbits at a younger age (less than 6mo), so hearing your situation made me believe your rabbits were all young.

Do any of your makes display any hormonal behaviors, such as excessive marking, destructive behavior, fighting, or aggression?

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Paula]

They don’t, it’s strange. I had a pair of Flemish giants years ago that were at each other’s throats until I got them and had them spayed … so I know what you mean! These guys are just bizarrely cool with each other. They do occasionally hump each other but they all do it and no one seems to get upset about it. It’s very strange!

I have all my animals spayed and neutered so it was my first thought when I took them in but was alarmed by the comment that I might alter their calm mojo, as it were. I do have the neuters scheduled for the same day, which she said would help, but if she was wrong altogether I doubt that matters anyway?

I did confirm with my own eyes that they are all boys. ?

Thanks for your help!

Editing to add a pic. ❤

https://binkybunny.com/wp-content/uploads/converted_files/Portals/0/activeforums_Attach/001_2017-12-29_11.09.05-810x81b0.jpg

[Sirius&Luna]

I would say if they’ve been living happily together for 2 years, then take them all in together and don’t separate after the neuter. Obviously monitor very carefully, but as long as you move take them as a group they should all pick up the same smells and hopefully it won’t disrupt their bond.

[Wick & Fable]

There’s a hormonal spike that occurs after neutering which can change a rabbit slightly, but in most cases the behavior reverts back. It’s pretty unusual for a rabbit to change completely after a neuter.

There is a chance the neuter may impair things, but I think it’s more likely to mellow out the occasional humping? I understand the rabbit rescue employees concern… It is unpredictable, but since they’re bonded now, that’s promising to re build if for some reason the neuter makes them temporarily different.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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