Will being spayed change a rabbit's behaviour??

[purpleskyes]

Gilbert who was once a very sweet and loving bunny has turned into evil. Recently he has started charging at me and the other half and nipping but tonight he went even further, we were going to bed and I topped up his food bowl and then then the other half went to stroke him before bed and he bite him hard enough to make his finger bleed.

So will getting him castrated mean he will go back to being the friendly lovable rabbit he once was??

[feorag]

Castration for boys, spaying for girls.

I think it will certainly calm him down - hormones are terrible things and turn your lovely little fluffy critter into the 'rabbit from hell'. We women know what hormones can do better than most, so I would say go for it!!

I'm sure your vet is aware that rabbits don't tolerate GAs very well and need a safe anaesthetic, but it's still worth asking him if he will be using a safe one, but at least it's a quicker op for the boys!

[purpleskyes]

Originally Posted by feorag

Castration for boys, spaying for girls.

I think it will certainly calm him down - hormones are terrible things and turn your lovely little fluffy critter into the 'rabbit from hell'. We women know what hormones can do better than most, so I would say go for it!!

I'm sure your vet is aware that rabbits don't tolerate GAs very well and need a safe anaesthetic, but it's still worth asking him if he will be using a safe one, but at least it's a quicker op for the boys!

What kind of anaesthetic do they require then? I will have to call the vets and see what experience they have with rabbits I dont want to take any risks he is part of the family.

[Kloy]

I just had my baby boy done today! Was so worried when I dropped him off at half 9...got a phone call at half 2 saying he'd come round. Picked him up at quarter to and half an hour later he was munching away!

Such a relief ... I think if you get your little boy done you'll worry all day, but if your vet is rabbit savvy I'm sure castrating him can only be for the best!

[lizardloverrach]

Hormones!! how old is he? if he's the correct age (which it sounds like he is from his behaviour...) get him done.
he will almost certainly calm down.
If he's an indoor bun it will help with any toilet training issues too.

and its advised you dont really do much in their cage until their out of it, alot are pretty cage defensive! that will save your oh getting bit in future!

[purpleskyes]

He roughly about a year old now, the thing is his behaviour is also like this when he is out of his cage. He will put his ears back lower his head and then charge at you and bite. He is a total nightmare to live with at the moment.

[stucoady]

It's highly recommended for both sexes, esp females who can suffer from health implications if not. Once your boy is done, give it about 6 weeks before introducing him to a female who is not done although I would not advice to ever to keep such together. Plus you will see a big change in his behaviour although his living environment will also be a factor to his behaviour so avoid small hutches etc.

[Rebecca and Collin]

Hiya, isoflo is the best anesthetic to use for your bun, its what they use on kids and is safer than the others.
I also rang round a few vets to ask them how many they spay/neuter a week and how successful they were (the difference between vets was an eye opener).

Also ask if they cut through the scrotum or abdomen. Hope that helps.

[purpleskyes]

Originally Posted by stucoady

It's highly recommended for both sexes, esp females who can suffer from health implications if not. Once your boy is done, give it about 6 weeks before introducing him to a female who is not done although I would not advice to ever to keep such together. Plus you will see a big change in his behaviour although his living environment will also be a factor to his behaviour so avoid small hutches etc.

He is a house bunny so lives indoor and has lots of space to run around, he has free run of most of the apartment, which is why he is such a nightmare to live with currently as he keeps attacking us. he is a netherland dwarf cross so he is tiny. He also has his own cage which is about 3 foot but he is a netherland dwarf cross so he is only a little thing.

He is an only bunny so he dont be getting introduced to any other bunnies, I have also read you should only introduce animals that have both been done.

[purpleskyes]

Originally Posted by Rebecca and Collin

Hiya, isoflo is the best anesthetic to use for your bun, its what they use on kids and is safer than the others.
I also rang round a few vets to ask them how many they spay/neuter a week and how successful they were (the difference between vets was an eye opener).

Also ask if they cut through the scrotum or abdomen. Hope that helps.

Thank you I will do that, is it better for them to cut through the scrotum or the abdomen?