Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > Spaying?

Spaying?

22 11:05:02

Question
I know there lagamorphs im thinking of getting guinea pigs through!
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I was told its best to get a female rabbit spayed because they are prone to get cancer more then guinea pig's and other rodent's is that true? Do they HAVE to be spayed? Do male's HAVE to be neutered respond back thank's! And give me a good explaination on why i would or would not have to spay or neuter!
-----Answer-----
There is a very high rate of reproductive organ cancers in rabbits.

Spaying and neutering will eliminate the chance of cancers. It will prevent aggression due to hormones (quite common in females, and fairly commmon in males). It will help prevent unwanted behaviours such as spraying (females can spray urine, too), false pregnancies (where the female thinks she is pregnant, so gets aggressive, starts pulling fur to make a nest, etc.), fighting with other animals. Rabbits are easier to litter box train once spayed/neutered, as well.

You can also keep spayed/neutered rabbits together. There will be much less chance of them fighting, and of course there will be no risk of pregnancy.

No animal HAS to be spayed or neutered, but it is a good idea to have it done. It will greatly improve their chance for a long, healthy life as a well-behaved companion.

P.S. Rabbits are actually not rodents. They are "lagamorphs". This family is fairly closely related to rodents, but they are not actual rodents. :)

Answer
"I was told its best to get a female rabbit spayed because they are prone to get cancer more then guinea pig's and other rodent's is that true?"

I misunderstood that part, then. I thought you were saying that guinea pigs, rabbits, and other rodents were all being compared together.