How to Decide Whether to Have a Rabbit Neutered

Neutering a rabbit can improve a rabbit's health and personality and make it easier for you to train the pet. There are other reasons for agreeing to the procedure, and the more of them you know, the quicker you'll come to a decision.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Recognize that neutered rabbits are healthier. They generally live longer, and the risk of certain cancers is eliminated in neutered rabbits.

2. Neuter your rabbit to quell aggressive behavior. Biting and destructive digging are reduced with neutering. Rabbits also spray to mark their territory. The urge to do this is much lower after neutering. Neutered rabbits also take much more easily to using a litter box.

3. Address the overpopulation issues. Litters of rabbits are let go into the wild and frequently starve or are killed by predators. It's much more humane to have your rabbit neutered and know that he won't be contributing to the rabbit population.

4. Find a veterinarian who has experience with rabbits. The risks associated with surgery of this kind are low, but rabbits require special handling, and should be seen only with vets who understand their particular problems and behavior.

5. Adopt another rabbit as a companion for your neutered rabbit. They'll live in harmony without the hormones that could make them aggressive. It's a rabbit's nature to live with other rabbits, so he'll be happier with a friend.

[tomkokat]

on 8/11/2009 supplemental info:
#1 female rabbits have a high risk of uterine cancer by age 2 or 3, if they are not spayed.

#5 allow your rabbit to chose his/her companion by setting up 'dates' with the adoption shelter. rabbits have vastly different personalities, and may not always get along (like humans).