Q: From what age should I sterilise my rabbit? And is it necessary if I only have one rabbit?
A: We highly recommend the sterilisation of rabbits. Naturally, allowing unregulated breeding will soon lead to an overpopulation, but there are also other important considerations.
Rabbits need companionship to be happy, but can also fight.
Sterilised rabbits tend to be much more relaxed and friendly than those still full of hormones, and so are easier to keep in groups.
It is especially important to sterilise female pet rabbits, as they are highly prone to cancer of the uterus and other reproductive disorders that can be fatal if left untreated.
We recommend sterilisation from four months of age. Always make sure your vet is familiar with rabbits, as the surgery and anaesthetic are very different to that used for dogs and cats.
Dr Dorianne Elliott, veterinarian
