Why Do We Have Retired Bucks and Does Spayed/Neutered Prior to Placing Them as Pets?

We are occasionally asked why we spay/neuter all of the Buns we retire or remove from our breeding program. Here's our response to that question.

The short answer is that we want to make certain they are healthy and free of cancer of the reproductive system prior to placing them as pets. Cancer is, sadly, a common cause of death in unspayed does, especially. We had to have a two year-old doe put down when she was being spayed because cancer was found during the procedure. Ever since then, we have wanted to ensure that they are as healthy as can be prior to placement. It would be devastating (and unfair) for their families to be told their new pet is riddled with cancer upon their first visit to the vet. We want to be the ones to take the risk of loss, both emotionally and financially, should a rabbit not make it through the procedure because cancer is discovered.

We have our bucks neutered mainly to aid in litter box training and to reduce the potential for spraying urine. We have been sprayed on our hands, legs, and even our faces, so please trust us when we say it's not the most pleasant of experiences. A persistent urine-sprayer will soon lose his home and, since we want all of our rabbit placements be successful, we have our bucks neutered so they don't end up in shelters, abandoned out of doors, or worse. Bucks tend to become a bit more mellow following neutering, and on rare occasion, can become withdrawn for a couple of months while they become more accustomed to the lowered levels of testosterone in their bodies, but they usually perk up again after that time.

Spayed/neutered rabbits are able to enjoy the friendship of another (also spayed/neutered) rabbit of the opposite gender, which enriches their lives and gives them meaningful companionship and interaction when their humans may not be available to give them attention. We receive so much joy when receiving bonding updates and seeing pictures of the Buns living happy, joyful lives with their families and bunny friends. Bonded bunnies are fun to have, although bonding process itself is a journey requiring time and patience in order to achieve success.

We love each and every one of the Hot Cross Buns and want them to have the best health and behavior possible when they go to their new homes. That is why we have them spayed or neutered. :)