Rabbits become sexually mature from between four months in some smaller breeds and six to nine months. It is recommended that young rabbits are separated into single sex groups at four months of age. Hence, both male and female rabbits should be neutered at four months.

Benefits of neutering rabbits

Intact males are more prone to developing behavioural problems including fighting, biting and urine spraying. The urine may also become strong smelling.

Having your female rabbit spayed at between four months and two years old dramatically decreases the chance of her developing uterine tumours later on in life. In some breeds the incidence of this cancer in unspayed female rabbits over five years of age is over 80%.

Side effects of neutering

Neutered rabbits are more prone to obesity as they grow older, so care must be taken not to allow overeating.