handling, taming & spaying

Question
Hello, I just bought a beautiful gray-brindle six week old female mini rex bunnie, she in now exploring her cage. How long should I wait until I hold her? how do you tame a rabbit? and at what age should I get her spayed?

Thank you for your help in advance.

Answer
Hello,

Congratulations on your new pal!  

You might note at the outset that many (if not most) rabbits DO NOT like to be held and cuddled. They are prey animals, and most feel insecure when held. For this reason, it's best to completely win her trust at ground level before you proceed to try to pick her up.  You can read how to do this here:

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

and here:

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

A female rabbit can be spayed as early as 5 months of age, but I prefer to wait at least 8 months, since estrogen plays an important role in skeletal development and other aspects of growth.  You can read more here:

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

I hope this helps get you started.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana