Will Neutering My Rabbit Make Her Less Territorial?

When your rabbit hits adolescence, cover all of the couches because you'll most likely be dealing with large puddles of urine, as well as territorial, aggressive behavior. A sexually frustrated rabbit can be a menace to your home and other animals. Spaying or neutering your rabbit diminishes this territorial behavior and has long-term health benefits.

  1. Signs Of Adolescence

    • Rabbits reach puberty around 6 months of age, though some can exhibit signs as young as 4 months, according to the House Rabbit Society. These signs can include growling and biting -- especially when you reach into the rabbit's cage -- mounting behavior and urine spraying. Rabbits spray urine to mark their territory and announce their presence to other rabbits. Even if the rabbit was litterbox-trained before, the urge for territorial behavior is too strong.

    Benefits Of Spaying/Neutering

    • Rabbits that are spayed or neutered live longer, healthier lives than unaltered rabbits. In female rabbits, spaying significantly reduces the risk of uterine cancer. This surgery calms sexual frustration in rabbits and makes it easier for them to live in captivity. In addition, altering your rabbit causes its urine and feces to smell less, according to the University of Miami biology department.

    When To Spay/Neuter

    • The best time to spay or neuter your rabbit is when it reaches sexual maturity, or shortly after. For females, this can be at 4 months, but some veterinarians may prefer to wait until 6 months. Male rabbits can be neutered as soon as their testicles descend, which usually happens around 3 1/2 months. If your rabbit is older than 2, the surgery becomes more risky due to other possible health problems. Have an older rabbit examined thoroughly before neutering, including blood work.

    Caring For Your Rabbit After The Surgery

    • Rabbits recover well from spaying or neutering, but for the first few days after the surgery, you should take special care of your pet. You may need a pain medication, especially for female rabbits. Let your rabbit spend as much time alone as it needs, but make sure it eats properly so its digestive tract won't shut down. Giving your rabbit acidophilus bacteria can settle the digestive tract and help your rabbit eat more regularly. Open up a gel tablet and mix it into your rabbit's food or water.