At What Age Can I Have My Rabbit Spayed or Neutered?

Close up of sleeping baby gray bunny in hands
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You can have your pet rabbit spayed or neutered at about the age it reaches the age of sexual maturity. For the majority of rabbits, this means at about 3 to 6 months of age. Giant breeds of rabbits may reach maturity a couple of months later, so the surgery might be done a little later in these breeds if necessary. According to a study published by the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine in 2022, female rabbits are at higher risk for development of reproductive disease if they remain intact past 3 year of age—19 times more at risk, in fact!

The Right Age to Spay or Neuter

An immature rabbit will have structures that are not well developed, making the surgery more difficult (and in males, the testicles do not even descend until about 3 months). You should consult with your vet about the proper age to do your particular rabbit. With males especially, your vet should be able to tell from a quick examination whether your bunny is ready by the presence or absence of testicles in the scrotum, but a general exam can give your vet a good idea about the maturity of your rabbit and readiness for surgery. If your rabbit is 4 months or older and exhibiting behavioral changes that include increased aggression or marking the behavior, he or she is ready to be neutered or spayed!

Article Sources
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  1. Nina Airas, et. al. Prospective survey of neoplastic and non-neoplastic uterine disorders in 116 domestic rabbits. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, vol. 41, April 2022. doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2022.01.001