What are spaying and neutering? Spaying and neutering refer to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs. Spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female bunny. Neutering is the removal of the testicles of a male bunny. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia by an experienced veterinarian. Post-surgical pain medication may also be given.

Why should I get my bunny spayed or neutered? Most importantly, there are too many unloved/unwanted domestic rabbits in the world already. A bunny can have 4 or more kits in a litter. Spaying and Neutering prevent pregnancy.

 Unspayed female bunnies also have a very high incidence of uterine/ovarian cancer which can substantial shorten their lifespan. Unspayed or Unneutered bunnies tend to be highly aggressive and tend to spray urine as a way of marking their territory. They also are more difficult to litterbox train and bond with other bunnies.

How old does a bunny have to be to get spayed/neutered? Generally, once a male rabbits testicles descend (large round lumps on either side of his genital area), he can be safely neutered. Female rabbits should be at least 4 months old before spaying. In either case, the bunny should be in good health and at a healthy weight (not too thin) before putting them through the surgery.

How long does it take for a bunny to recover from a spay or neuter? Male rabbits heal very quickly, generally within a week of surgery. It helps to keep your bunny from jumping around too much for the first few days so he doesn't pop his stitches. It will take longer for their hormones to subside. They may still be able to impregnate a female rabbit within the first couple of weeks, so bear that in mind. Periodically check to make sure the scrotum is shrinking appropriately. If it starts to swell or bleed, etc., you will need to have it checked by a vet.

Female rabbits take longer to heal as theirs is a more invasive abdominal surgery. They may need pain medication to help them recover. They will be very quiet and subdued for at least the first week. Giving your bunny a dish of water (rather than a bottle) and easy access to food will help. As long as she is eating, she is okay. You will need to check her suture site for signs of infection (redness, discharge) or signs that the incision is opening. Most vets use skin adhesive on the outside and sutures on the internal incision. If you think the skin is separating, get it checked.

Can any vet spay or neuter a bunny? Unless the vet is familiar with the medical needs specific to rabbits, they may not be able to appropriately dose anesthesia during surgery. This can lead to severe injury or even death. It is always best to have an experienced rabbit vet perform the surgery.

Where can I find more information about spaying/neutering my bunny? Start with this article in the Ask Beaker section of our site.

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What should I feed my bunny? Bunnies should eat a diet comprised of hay and other vegetable matter. They can be given pelleted rabbit food if it is not too high in fats and calcium and does not contain "junk food" (corn, beans, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, etc.). They should have an unlimited supply of water and hay (preferably timothy hay). Fresh vegetables should be fed to them on a daily basis. Avoid low-nutrient vegetables like iceberg lettuce. These can cause diarrhea. Romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, parsley, cilantro, mustard greens, kale, bok choy are all good options.

With any new food, start slowly and increase the amounts gradually, always watching your bunny for signs of intolerance (diarrhea, over-production of cecals, abdominal swelling (from gas), etc.)

Can I give my bunny candy or other sweets? It is a bad idea to feed your bunny anything with sugar in it. These are not easily digested and can cause terrible gastro-intestinal problems which can lead to death.

Can I give my bunny fruit? As long as your bunny has no adverse reaction, it is okay to feed him fruit in moderation. Bananas, raisins, dried unsweetened cranberries, apples and pears are all good options. Only give a little bit at a time and remove any uneaten portions before they go bad.

How do I know if my bunny is too fat or too thin? Feel along your bunny's spine and ribcage. If you can feel the spine and ribs easily as you run your hand over his back, he is probably at a healthy weight. If his bones feel very close to the skin he may be underweight. Add vegetables and a healthy pelleted food to his diet and monitor his intake closely. If you have difficulty finding his ribs and spine, he is overweight. Cut back on the amount of pellets he is getting. in some cases, you may need to cut them out entirely. Also increase your bunny's exercise time. Sedentary bunnies who spend their lives cooped up in a cage do not live long.

Where can I find more information about feeding my bunny? Start with this article in the Ask Beaker section of our site.

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Can I keep my bunny outside? Although it is common to find people keeping their bunnies in outdoor cages or hutches, it is not the best option for your bunny or for you. Temperature fluctuations and other weather conditions (wind, rain, snow) can make your bunny very uncomfortable. There are also predators who can get to a bunny left outdoors. Cats and predatory birds are just two examples. You will also be less likely to interact with your bunny if he is in an outdoor cage.

What kind of indoor housing is available for bunnies? There are a number of housing options when a bunny is kept indoors. Some bunnies may even be kept roaming free in a room or area of the house, as long as the space has been thoroughly bunny-proofed (protect wires from nipping teeth, no other animals around, etc.).

Traditional cages sold in petstores are generally too small to give a bunny adequate room to move. It is fairly simple to build a house for your bunny. If you are handy with tools, try building one out of wood, giving your bunny several levels to jump around on. Be sure to provide carpet or some other soft material on the floors for traction and comfort.

If you don't want to pull out the table saw, try making an NIC condo for your bunny. NICs are enameled grids sold in most office supply stores for use as storage. They are also available on the internet. They come with plastic corner fasteners and can be assembled in a variety of ways. Once assembled, the corners must be reinforced using nylon cable ties. You will also need to provide flooring over the grids. Plywood or other strong surface will work so long as you attach carpet on top for comfort and safety.

How do I keep my bunny's house from being stinky? The main reason people give for keeping their bunny outside is the smell. Rabbit urine has a powerful odor. If all your bunny has is a grid over an empty tray, his house will smell pretty bad. Using a litterbox significantly improves the odor problem, particularly when a wood-based litter product is used. Wood stove pellets (available in most fireplace supply stores) are the most economical and effective product available.

Training your bunny to use a litterbox and keeping that box changed regularly (once or twice per week depending on your bunny's habits) will prevent your bunny from being an odor problem. We have 7 rabbits living in this house and have received many comments from visitors on the complete lack of odor. In fact, people who do not actually see them cannot tell that we have bunnies living here.

Where can I go to find more information on housing? The Kayne D. Bunny section of this website has links to housing options and a special section on the Dennehy Bunny Gated Community...an option for those wanting to give their bunny alot of room to move without giving up a whole room.

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Can bunnies be litterbox trained? Most rabbits are very easy to litterbox train. Rabbits tend to be very clean by nature. They also pee in the same place repeatedly which makes training a snap.

How do I train my bunny to use the litterbox? Provide a litterbox of appropriate size within your bunny's environment. Put hay in the box (over the litter) to give him something to do in there. If he spends enough time in the box, he will pee in it. That will establish it as his toilet. If he has an accident elsewhere and seems to prefer to do his business in another location, either move the box there or give him a second one. Especially for a spayed or neutered bunny, the process will take very little time.

What kind of litter is safe to use for bunnies? Wood or paper-based litters are the safest. The only exceptions are Cedar and Pine litters, which are dangerous for bunnies and should not be used. We have found the most efficient and economical product to be wood stove pellets. These are oak-based pellets produced for wood-burning stoves. they come in 40lb. bags and are approximately $5-10 per bag. They may be difficult (but not impossible) to obtain in warmer regions of the country where wood-burning stoves are far less popular.

My bunny is having trouble peeing between the lines. Where can I get more information? Kayne D. Bunny is an expert in this area. She wrote an article about it. Read it HERE.

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What grooming do I need to do to my bunny? You need to clip your bunny's nails about once every six to eight weeks or so. When your bunny is shedding, it helps to give him a regular brushing to loosen and remove the excess fur and prevent it from being ingested. Bunny scent glands (located on either side of their genital region) need to be cleaned out periodically if there is buildup. If you have a long-haired bunny (i.e. Angora or Jersey Wooly), you will need to brush and trim his fur on a regular basis to avoid it becoming matted.

Can bunnies take baths? It is a bad idea to bathe a bunny. Not only do baths remove essential oils from the bunny's skin, they can also cause the bunny to go into shock from fright. A wet bunny can also become seriously ill, so if your bunny gets wet, be sure to dry him thoroughly. Spot bathing specific areas may be necessary (e.g. if your bunny has a poopy butt or sits in pee, etc.). Use warm water, keep it to a minimum and be sure to dry him thoroughly.

How do I clip my bunny's toenails? If your bunny has clear or white toenails, you will be able to see the quick (the pink area underneath the nail). Do not clip below the top of this area or your bunny will bleed profusely. Trim the tips of his nails, above the quick. Remember, your bunny has a toe on the underside of his front paws...don't forget to trim it too!

For dark-nailed bunnies, a flashlight or other light source will be necessary to illuminate the quick. Once you've found it, trim as outlined above. If you happen to make your bunny bleed, use cornstarch or styptic powder to stop the bleeding and keep the area clean to avoid infection.

Why does my bunny shed so much? Rabbits get a winter coat of fur which is much denser and warmer than their summer coat. They shed each coat as the weather starts to change. Some bunnies shed more often, particularly those with longer or finer fur. Shedding is not a health concern unless you see your bunny developing red bald patches. Try to brush your bunny to remove the dead fur so he does not ingest it all and cause himself stomach problems.

Why does my bunny eat his poops? Bunnies digest their food twice. They produce hard round dry pellets which are their feces, but they also produce cecals which are soft and come out in clusters. Cecals can also be identified by their very bad smell. Bunnies reingest their cecals to obtain more nutrients. It is normal for them to do so. The only time to be concerned is if they are leaving piles of cecals around or if the cecals are sticking to their butts. That is an indication they are overeating and may also indicate an illness. Adjust their diet to rule that out as a problem. Sometimes overweight or ill rabbits have a hard time getting to their cecals.

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I have a single bunny. How do I decide if he needs a friend? If you spend alot of time playing with your bunny and he seems generally well-adjusted, he's probably okay alone. If he spends most of his time cooped up by himself, it may be wise to find him a friend. If you have the space, it is not that much more time-consuming or costly to have two bunnies. In fact, because they are happier living in unison, you may find it cheaper in the long run as you will have fewer health issues.

How do I find a partner for my bunny? Start with your local rabbit rescues. They will be able to work with you to help find your bunny a suitable match. They will likely have members who are experienced with bonding bunnies who may be able to help the pair to successfully cohabitate.

Why are my bunnies fighting and will they ever stop? Bunnies are highly territorial and do not like foreigners invading their turf. Spaying and neutering help curb their aggressive tendencies but do not remove them altogether. Some bunnies play fight and chase each other around. So long as they are not actually harming one another, this is not a concern. Bunnies who are fighting such that they are pulling out fur or actually causing physical harm (biting, etc.) should be separated immediately. Rabbits are capable of inflicting terrible damage or even killing each other.

How can I make my bunnies like each other? Bonding is not a simple process. It takes time and creativity to get two bunnies to a place where they want to cohabitate. Generally the best place to start is in a small, neutral area (not somebunny's cage or play area). If your bunnies attack each other in a vicious way, separate them immediately. Stronger steps will be needed. If they circle and try to hump each other but noone is biting, you can let them go at it as long as you are right there if anything goes wrong. Generally if you have one aggressive and one submissive bunny, chances are they will be able to bond fairly easily. Only after you have established a good rapport will you be able to put them into a familiar environment together. Do not be surprised if return to one bunny's original environment causes a resurgence of aggression. He will be protecting his territory from the newcomer. You may need to give them separate sections of the same house for a time. Check out the House Rabbit Society website for more information on bonding.

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Can I take my bunny to the same vet I use for my dog/cat? Unfortunately, not every vet has experience treating bunnies. The ones that do generally lable themselves "exotics" vets. Some practices limit themselves to dogs and cats, so check with your vet about her level of experience with rabbits.

How do I find a bunny savvy vet? Rabbit rescue groups in your area are a good place to start, as is the House Rabbit Society.

What questions should I ask the vet? Ask the vet how many rabbits they see on a regular basis. Ask what types of illnesses they have handled for those rabbits and with what success. Ask about their experience with spaying/neutering bunnies and if they have had any with negative consequences. In general, you want to get the feeling that your vet likes handling bunnies and is open to learning more about caring for them if they do not already possess sufficient knowledge.

How often should I take my bunny to the vet? You will need to take your bunny to the vet for an initial check up before the spay or neuter. This will help you know that your bunny is healthy and establish a rapport with the vet prior to the surgery. As long as they heal well and have no other problems, visiting the vet for a well-bunny check once a year should be sufficient. If you suspect any problems, such as your bunny not eating, seems to be lethargic, etc., make an appointment right away. Paying attention to your bunny will help you learn what is normal behavior for him.

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Should I feed the wild rabbits in my neighborhood? No. Leave them alone. They will find sufficient food in their environment and anything you give them could only cause them problems either by making them dependent on you or causing them illness.

What should I do if I find a nest of baby bunnies? Leave them alone. Their mother is probably away getting food or is hiding because you are around.

What should I do if I find a wild bunny who seems sick or injured? Contact wildlife rehabilitators in your area and ask them for help.

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What's wrong with getting a bunny for my kids for Easter? Pet stores stock baby bunnies for the Easter season. This is their way of luring parents into buying bunnies for their kids along with the expensive paraphernalia that has to come home with the bunny. Although children fall in love with these adorable creatures quickly, they soon tire of the bunny and become bored. Bunnies are not going to interact with you the way a dog or cat might. They generally keep to themselves. Children also will not want to participate in the regular cleaning and feeding necessary for the bunny's upkeep. Parents will soon tire of doing it all themselves and finally decide to dump the bunny at a shelter or rescue group. Unless the bunny is a pet for the entire family, or an adult is committed to providing all of his care, it is not wise to bring a bunny into your home at any time.

What happens to a bunny when it is abandoned in the wild? Some people let an unwanted bunny loose in the wild, thinking it will fend for itself rather than taking the time to find a rescue group able to properly care for the bunny. These bunnies do not assimilate with groups of wild bunnies and are usually injured or killed by predators. The bunny may not be able to find adequate food and water. Additionally, exposure to the elements can have a serious effect on a domestic bunny who does not know to dig a burrow for himself.

I am a responsible parent. What should I do if I want to get my child a bunny for Easter? If you are sincere in your commitment to the bunny and do not expect your children to do all the work, or you have a child of sufficient maturity (11 and up) who is also committed to caring for the bunny, contact a rabbit rescue group in your area so you can meet their bunnies. Rescue groups, such as those affiliated with the House Rabbit Society, will be able to give you appropriate information about caring for the bunny. These groups also will have screened their bunnies for illness, etc. and usually will not adopt out unspayed or unneutered bunnies.

Pet store bunnies often come from breeders with less than healthy facilities and can fall ill quickly. Some rescue groups will not adopt bunnies out in the weeks immediately preceding Easter to avoid impulse adoptions, so plan ahead and establish yourself with the group in advance of the holiday so they know you are sincere.

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What do Rabbit Rescues do? Rabbit rescues provide foster placement for abandoned rabbits. Most Humane Society/Animal Shelter organizations do not have the facilities to handle rabbits and many will not even accept them. Rabbit rescues also work to find adoptive homes for these bunnies. In the meantime, they provide the bunnies with medical care including spaying and neutering in anticipation of placement in an appropriate home. Rescue groups also work to educate rabbit owners on the proper care of their bunny.

How do I contact a Rabbit Rescue in my area? The House Rabbit Society provides a directory of local chapters. Additionally, rescue groups will be listed in the phone book. Humane Society or Animal Shelter groups may also be able to put you in touch with local rescue groups as they usually know to send bunnies to them when they come in.

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What are some of the signs that my bunny might be sick? Anything that seems unusual for your bunny may be a sign of illness or injury. A bunny who is generally very active that suddenly slows down raises a red flag. A bunny going off his food and sitting in the corner is usually exhibiting signs of digestive trouble. Check your bunny's abdomen for signs of swelling (gas). Your bunny's litterbox will also be a good indicator of wellness. If your bunny's poops are getting smaller and smaller, or significantly reduced in number, that can be a sign of digestive trouble. If your bunny starts suddenly peeing outside the litterbox, that can be a sign of injury or illness. Petting your bunny all over will help you find cuts or lumps that might indicate infection.

Are there any conditions I can treat myself? If you find your bunny has become more sluggish than usual and his tummy seems more swollen than usual, get him moving. This may help get his digestive system moving and prevent GI Stasis. If your bunny has a small cut, you can clean it with peroxide or alcohol and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment. Check the cut periodically for signs of swelling or infection.

How do I know I need to take my bunny to the vet? If your bunny has not eaten in 24 hours or is sitting in a corner unwilling to move, get him to the vet. Likewise, if your bunny has very loose stools, get him to the vet. Poopy butt or overproduction of cecals that does not improve with a change in diet can indicate serious illness. In general, if your bunny is not acting like himself and you can't figure out what's wrong, it's worth a trip to the vet to make sure he is okay.

Can bunnies make their humans sick? Generally, bunnies will not pass illness to humans. The few exceptions might be things like ringworm or fleas, both of which are uncommon in house rabbits. Even a bunny bite is not likely to become infected as long as it is cleaned and cared for properly. Many people who have allergies to dog or cat dander find they can safely coexist with bunnies with no sign of allergy. The biggest allergen in a bunny home usually comes from the hay.

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What is the right way to hold a bunny? Handle your bunny very gently. If it is necessary to pick him up, support his legs with a firm grip to keep him from kicking out. Support him on your chest if you are moving him to another area. This will help give him stability and keep him from wanting to jump out of your arms. In general, bunnies prefer interaction at their own level and do not like to be held and carried much.

Is it okay to let my toddler carry our bunny? No. The only way a small child should touch a bunny is with close adult supervision, preferably while the bunny has all four feet firmly planted on the ground. Toddlers do not have sufficient strength to keep the bunny from kicking and jumping out of the child's arms. Additionally, toddlers will not know what force is too much for a bunny and could cause the bunny injury by being too aggressive in their affections.

Why did my bunny bite me? Remember that bunnies are territorial. If you get in their space, they will fight back. Try not to make sudden moves around your bunny's face. Their eyesight is not very good close up and they will interpret sudden movement as hostile.

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