Rabbit neutering

Question
I recently bought two rabbits which I believed to be female as company for each other. I have since discovered that one is male. I don't want to separate them as they are very friendly towards each other. I have read that you can neuter the male at 5 months. They are currently 10 weeks old. When, and how can you tell when the female becomes reproductive?
Is it safe to leave them together or is she likely to get pregnant?
She has recently started to dig at his back when they are out playing. Is this normal rabbit behaviour or is she being a bully?
Thanks for your help.

Answer
As a general rule, female rabbits can reproduce as early as 12 weeks old, because of such early puberty ages, most breeders separate their babies at no later than 10 wks.  So I would suggest separating them as soon as you can.  If they are getting along okay now, after you are get the  male neutered, which most people suggest around 4-5 months or when the testicles descend, then bonding them at a later date should be possible.

If leave them together you are probably going to end up with baby rabbits and it is going to be before the doe is actually ready.  Even though female rabbits become fertile early it is generally not a good idea to breed until they are about 6 months old.

The digging on his back is probably a bit of play and a bit of dominance, this is normal and unless she is causing pain or blood, it is probably not anything to worry about.

Good Luck
Amy