Toiletting and spaying

Question
Hi Dana,

First I have to say Thank You for being the best 'guide to rabbits' link on the internet. I've learnt more from the Q & A's and your suggested links than from anywhere else.

I have two questions, the first is toilet training. I have two dwarf neatherland x rabbits, they're approx 7-8 weeks old, one male, one female and they are very good together. I have done what the website suggested and managed to get the male toilet trained, but not the other. I know it'll be easier down the track once they're both de-sexed, but what I want to know is if it is necessary to have a separate toilet box for each rabbit? or can they learn to share?

Also, what is a good age for spaying/neuturing my babies? again one female and one male.

Oh! and one more question (sorry it's three now). When is a good age to get them vaccinated against various diseases? In Auckland NZ, we have just begun to see the awful calici virus being introduced and I'm worried, but am wondering if they're too young for such medicines.

Thank you from baby Rally, baby SweatPea and myself.

Answer
Dear Theresa

I'm glad you've found the House Rabbit Society site useful!  :)  (That's the one you mean, right?  www.rabbit.org ?

Baby rabbits will not always have perfect litterbox habits, and some rabbits are always better at it than others.  But you can find some tips on training here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/training.html

They should be able to share a litterbox without trouble, but if the one bunny has chosen a particular spot to do her business, then you might have to relent and put a second box there.  They tend to pick their own spots!

You can read about spay/neuter age and other issues here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/opcare.html

We don't vaccinate in the U.S. (long story!), so I'm  not sure what age is best for vaccinating. But I believe that a very young rabbit exposed to calicivirus (VHD) will develop immunity.  I'm guessing that a vaccination can be given to a pretty young bunny.  But the best person to ask would be a good rabbit vet.  I hope you have one in your area.

The other source you might check is someone at the Rabbit Welfare Association in the U.K., as they vaccinate their rabbits against both myxomatosis and VHD.  You can find their web site and contact information here:

http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/

Hope that helps!

Dana