Everyone knows the high fertility of rabbits, but, in addition, they are quite aggressive in the fight for females.
To avoid these and other problems, use castration.
Consider how to properly carry out this operation and its possible consequences.
Why castrate rabbits
When keeping rabbits in large quantities, in order to exclude their unplanned breeding, as well as to reduce aggressive behavior and harm to each other, they conduct castration.
Did you know? If rabbits had the opportunity to freely reproduce, then their number after 90 years would be equal to the number of square meters of our planet. In some Australian states it is forbidden to keep these eared houses, and violation is even punishable by a fine.
Also, this operation may be indicated for some diseases, such as hernias and scrotal injuries. In neutered animals, meat is more delicious and fur is more beautiful. 
Castrated rabbits are calmer and faster gaining weight
Advantages and disadvantages
This operation has supporters, but there are also opponents. To understand all the benefits and harms, we list the advantages and disadvantages of castration.
Find out which rabbits to leave on the tribe, how to determine the sex of the rabbit, when you can let the bunny rabbit on the mating, how to determine the rabbit suckering.
The advantages are:
- decreases the aggressiveness of animals due to changes in hormonal levels;
- increases immunity and longevity;
- decreases the possibility of genital diseases;
- there is no need to isolate unpleasant odors to attract females;
- increases the rate of weight gain;
- the appearance improves, animals become more clean;
- meat tastes are improved, the fur becomes thicker and more beautiful;
- the possibility of sharing animals of different sexes.
Castrated rabbits can be safely kept with females.According to statistics, castrated animals weigh 20% more than non-exposed rabbits.
Find out whether breeding rabbits is profitable as a business.Castration, like any operation, can have negative consequences:
- surgery causes discomfort and sometimes stress and pain to the animal;
- there may be complications in the form of inflammation of the operated site, disorders in the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
- the animal may intentionally or carelessly tear off or gnaw the seam;
- possible death.
Castration, like any surgical intervention, is fraught with negative consequences, including deathThe difference between castration and sterilization
These two operations are sometimes considered the same, but in fact they are different procedures. They are conducted on both males and females.
Castration - This is the process by which the reproductive organs and sex glands are removed. After surgery, the production of hormones, and consequently, sperm or eggs.
Sterilization - surgical intervention, which consists in bandaging or removing a segment of the vas deferens in males. In females, obstruction of the fallopian tubes is created, while hormone production and sexual function are not disturbed.
Find out why castrate piglets.
At what age are castrated rabbits
Castration operations are carried out when animals reach puberty.
Optimal age
The female is castrated at the age of about 4 months, but some experts advise doing this at six months of age. In males, the operation is carried out after the testicular prolapse, it occurs around 3.5-4 months. Until this age, the testes are located far away in the inguinal canal, and it is almost impossible to detect them. 
When you can not do
In this matter, the opinions of veterinarians differ. But if the animal is over 6 years old, then the operation is not advised. If the rabbit is more than 2 years old, it is better to conduct an examination in order to determine possible contraindications and risks.
Important! The optimal age for castration is from 4 months to 2 years. Castrate exceptionally healthy individuals.
Preparation for the procedure
Many rabbit breeders conduct castration on their own at home. But for this you need if you do not have minimal medical knowledge, then at least know the anatomical structure of the animal.
Before proceeding with the operation, it is necessary to prepare:
- a few days before the intervention, the animal is given "acidophilus" to normalize the processes in the digestive system;
- for 12 hours before the operation, the rabbit stops feeding;
- prepare the necessary tools: scissors or scalpel, needle, thread (nylon or silk number 10), tweezers, ligature and sterile gloves. Disinfectants (iodine, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol) will be required, as well as anesthetic agents;
- inventory sterilize, disinfect the table.
How to neuter rabbits with their own hands
If the castration operation of males can be performed at home, then for females this operation involves opening the abdominal cavity, therefore, it is performed only in the clinic. There are 2 ways of castration:
- Open way lies in the incision of the scrotum and cutting the spermatic cord.
- With the closed (percutaneous) method no incision of the vaginal membrane. The testes are tightly tied up with a ligature, and after a few days, due to the obstruction of the blood, they disappear.
Important! Closed way is considered safer and more benign.
Closed (percutaneous) way
This method is most often used for adults. After it, a hernia does not form, as after an open one. It is necessary to take the animal by the paws and keep it head up. Seed plants descend into the scrotum. Scrotum with testes gently pull over. At its base, make a tight constriction to bandage the spermatic cord. To prevent inflammation from spreading to the rest of the body, the ligation must be very tight.
Castration of rabbits in a closed way: video
Open way
There is another way to castration. It is used for young individuals. And it consists of several stages:
- To fix the animal and apply anesthesia.
- Smear the incision with iodine.
- The scrotum is pulled slightly towards you and down.
- Make a cut from the back.
- Pull out the first testis and bandage it with a ligature or thread.
- A couple of millimeters above the node to cut the cord.
- Place the cut cut iodine.
- Do the same with the second testis.
- Sew the incision and smear with iodine or powder streptotsida.
Did you know? In 1978 and 1999, records were recorded for rabbit offspring: there were 24 cubs in one litter.Castration rabbits: video
Care after the procedure
If the operation was carried out correctly and there were no complications, then after a couple of days the interest in life resumes in the rabbit.
Learn how to slaughter a rabbit, how useful rabbit meat is, how to make rabbit skin.Skillful care will speed up the recovery process:
- the cage must be clean with fresh bedding;
- if necessary, the animal can be given pain medicine;
- the animal needs to be fed so that there is no stagnation of food, since there are almost no muscles in the stomach of the rabbits, and the new food pushes the old one;
- several times a day should inspect the site of the operation, if the wounds poorly heal, treat them with hydrogen peroxide;
- there must be fresh water in the cage;
- do not limit the mobility of the animal, it will only harm;
- so that the rabbit does not crack the seam, you can wear a collar or blanket.
Possible complications
In case of violation of sterility or non-compliance with the rules of the operation, complications are possible.
Find out what rabbits can get and how to treat them.
The most common problems are:
- if, with the closed method, the thread is loosely tightened, this may cause inflammatory processes;
- impaired sterility may cause inflammation of the abdominal cavity or sutures;
- one of the complications of open castration may be an inguinal hernia;
- early edema, prolapse of the intestines, omentum or bladder is possible;
- the rabbit may have an appetite; this happens when there are problems with the microflora. It is necessary to give acidophilus and force-feed through a syringe;
- serious disturbances during surgery can cause bleeding, infection and death of the animal.
Castration of an animal is a serious surgical intervention requiring experience and knowledge. And if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to contact a specialist in order not to harm your pets. Consult a veterinarian to clarify important details. May your animals be healthy and delight you.
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