Fixing Rabbits

Question
Dear Mr. Meyer
I bought two Holland Lop does, but one of them turned out to be a buck
(oops on the pet shop's part) and I'd really like to put them back in the
same cage, but i dont want babies... so how much does a spay cost? a
neuter? is it risky? how old do they have to be?
Thank you so much!
Kaela

Answer
Hi Kaela,

unfortunately pet store employees are not always the best trained when it comes to determining the sex of small animals.  Also they sell them too young, before you can really distinguish sex organs well enough.

You need to wait to alter them until they both hit sexual maturity, anywhere from 4-6 months old.  Usually there is a noticeable change in their behavior when this happens.  Spraying people, trying to mount your leg, females getting more aggressive when you put hands into their cage, etc.

You need to alter both of them.  You can't just get one fixed and put them back together.  Fighting will occur.  One is very hormonally-driven, one is not driven by any hormones at all.  This is a disastrous combination.  You will need to get both of them fixed.  Not only for their sake, but for yours, too, as they will both be much more enjoyable as pets.

As far as costs go, it varies a bit depending on the vet and what part of the country you're in.  Around us it's about $140-160 for neuters and spays.

I would suggest getting both of them done around the same time, but only by an experienced, rabbit-savvy vet.  A good dog or cat vet may not be very good with rabbits.  If you don't have one, go to:  www.rabbit.org/care/vets/html

and find a good rabbit vet in your area.  

After the procedures, they should be kept apart for 4-5 weeks, to allow the existing hormones in their systems to be used up.

If your rabbits are in good health (and the vet will want you to come in for a pre-op checkup before operating), and he/she is a good, experienced rabbit vet, these procedures are not that risky.

I would encourage you to visit the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org) and at the bottom of the main page, do a search on "spay" or "neuter" and read through the related articles that are listed.

Lee