SPAYING & NEUTERING.
Vital for your rabbit’s health and well-being.
Why Spaying & Neutering Matters
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) is not just about preventing unwanted litters—it’s one of the most important decisions you can make for your rabbit’s health, behavior, and long-term quality of life. Rabbits are prey animals that hide pain and illness, so preventing common reproductive health problems through surgery can literally save their lives.
Health Benefits
Spaying and neutering offers critical health protection for both male and female rabbits. It prevents life-threatening reproductive cancers and other hormone-driven illnesses, many of which are common in unaltered rabbits. By choosing to spay or neuter, you're giving your rabbit a safer, healthier, and often longer life.
For Female Rabbits (Does)
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Eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, which affects up to 80% of unspayed females by age 4.
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Prevents ovarian and mammary tumors.
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Stops false pregnancies and the hormonal stress that comes with them.
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Increases lifespan and overall well-being.
For Male Rabbits (Bucks)
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Prevents testicular cancer and related complications.
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Reduces aggressive or territorial behaviors.
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Eliminates spraying and mounting caused by hormones.
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Encourages better litter box habits and calmer behavior.
Behavioral Benefits
Hormonal rabbits may display unwanted behaviors such as lunging, nipping, spraying urine, and obsessive digging or circling. Spaying and neutering typically reduces or eliminates these behaviors, making rabbits more relaxed, affectionate, and easier to bond with both humans and other rabbits.
Neutered rabbits are also much easier to litter train, and their environment stays cleaner and less stressful for everyone.
Better Bonding Between Rabbits
If you plan to adopt a companion for your rabbit, spaying and neutering is mandatory for safe bonding. Unaltered rabbits, even of the same sex, will often fight due to hormonal behavior. Spayed/neutered rabbits are more accepting of companions and far less likely to display territorial aggression.
At Kribs For Kritters, we only bond altered rabbits, and we require spaying/neutering for successful adoptions and long-term compatibility.
When to Spay or Neuter
Spaying or neutering at the appropriate age not only prevents unwanted behaviors but also reduces the risk of certain health problems before they develop. Early alteration—once your rabbit is old enough and healthy enough—ensures a smoother recovery and better long-term outcomes. It's important to consult with a rabbit-experienced veterinarian who can assess your rabbit’s maturity and recommend the safest timing for surgery based on their breed, size, and overall health.
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Males: As early as 3.5 to 4 months old, once the testicles have descended.
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Females: Around 5 to 6 months old, once they are mature enough to safely undergo anesthesia.
Your vet will determine the best time based on your rabbit’s size and health.
Post-Surgery Care
Recovery from surgery is usually quick with proper care. After the procedure:
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Keep your rabbit indoors in a clean, quiet, stress-free environment.
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Monitor eating, drinking, and droppings closely.
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Prevent excessive movement for the first few days.
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Offer favorite foods, fresh hay, and water to encourage eating.
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Pain medication prescribed by your vet is essential—never skip it.
Contact your vet immediately if your rabbit isn’t eating or pooping within 12–24 hours.
Is It Safe?
When performed by an experienced rabbit-savvy veterinarian, spaying and neutering is very safe. Rabbits do require special handling and anesthesia protocols, so choosing the right vet is critical. Never allow a general practice vet with no rabbit experience to perform the procedure.
We maintain a list of trusted rabbit vets—click here to view recommended veterinarians in your area.
Myths About Spaying & Neutering
Even if your rabbit is the only one in your household, spaying or neutering is still essential. Unaltered rabbits—especially females—are at high risk for reproductive cancers, such as uterine or ovarian cancer. Additionally, hormones can cause behavioral issues like territorial spraying, aggression, restlessness, and poor litter habits. Altered rabbits tend to be calmer, cleaner, and more comfortable in their environment, regardless of whether they have a companion.