When can I separate the litter?

Question
Hello Dana, I wrote to you a few wks. ago concerning a rescue we took in that had babies 1 wk. later.  She looks like an English Spot, was about 8 lbs. at 3 wks. pregnant, not sure of her REAL weight yet as she's still nursing once/day.

The babies are getting big, about 4 lbs. now.  They'll be 8 wks. old on Wed. Aug. 8th and there are 3 boys/3 girls.  We're keeping them all and plan to especially have the males neutered.

Can I leave the 3 females in w/her since they've all been together anyway?  They live in X-Pens.

What is the latest age that I should separate males from mom & sisters?  

Will the males be able to live together as a unit at least until they're neutered? I'd like to keep them together as a group as well once they are neutered.  

Hope you will answer my many questions.

Thanks so much!
Paula

Answer
Dear Paula,

The males should be separated from the females as soon as their testicles descends, which usually happens at about 12 weeks.  But they might start feeling their hormones before that, and begin mounting behavior.  Hope they won't fight when that begins.  :(

If possible, have all the males neutered on the same day so they'll be sad and uncomfortable together.  This will reduce the risk of fighting and unbonding.

If you can do this, then all the males may be able to live peacefully with the females, too.  No need to separate them if they are not apart for too long.  This way, you won't accidentally separate bunnies who are already bonded and best buddies, no matter what their sex.

Eventually, the females should be spayed, too.  They have a high risk of uterine cancer if left intact, and their hormones will drive them nuts, causing them to mount each other and their brothers.  This can start fights.  So by the age of about 7 months, females should be spayed.  Mama can be spayed now.  But again, don't keep her separate from her babies for longer than necessary, and be sure they can see/smell/touch her, even through a barrier, while she recovers.  This will reduce the risk of unbonding.

Hope this helps.

Dana
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