How to sex your rabbit

The PetCoach editorial team is comprised of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and longtime industry veterans who are dedicated to providing the highest-quality health It can be very difficult to determine the sex of a young rabbit. Although the explanation and diagram below will help you, it is best to have an experienced person show you how to sex a rabbit. Rabbits still feel pain while in this position, and should not be held this way for a prolonged period of time. When first sexing rabbits, it will be helpful if another person gently restrains the head of the rabbit while you use both hands to part the fur and apply gentle pressure on each side of the vent, which is the area including the anus and the genitals.

Rabbits are prolific and early breeders and bunnies that are not separated soon enough may surprise you with an unexpected batch of new babies. Depending on the size of your bunnies, you may be able to identify the sexes by the time they are about 6 weeks old. Telling them apart gets easier as you gain experience and become familiar with what to look for. Hold your rabbit in a secure position on its back so that it can relax enough not to hurt itself or you. A good way to hold each bunny is to place it on your lap with its head toward your body and its rear aimed at your knees. Once you have the bunny in position, place one finger on either side of the anal area under its tail. Use gentle pressure to pull the tail down slightly and expose the genital area.

Unless you plan to breed your rabbit we recommend de-sexing at six months of age. Spaying of female rabbits eliminates the risk of unwanted pregnancy when male and female rabbits are housed together, and also prevents uterine adenocarcinoma uterine cancer. This cancer affects about three quarters of female rabbits over four to five years of age and is often fatal. Castration of male rabbits reduces territorial marking urine spraying , unwanted sexual behaviour and they are also less likely to fight with other male rabbits.

Last Updated: September 21, References Approved. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times.