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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Should I neuter my very affectionate bun bun? (he sprays)

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    • Ashley S
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         i know this question has already been asked but i just need to ask it for myself lol

        my little bunny elliott (approx 5 months) is beginning to spray me basically every day. i want to get him neutered to stop this however im nervous to take him to the vet for the surgery AND he is sooooo affectionate that im afraid it will change his personality and make him less sociable. he loves to follow me everywhere, sits and watches tv on the couch with me, jumps up on my lap for cuddles, and loves to sleep under the covers with me however since he has started spraying me i cant enjoy doing this with him anymore because i know he will pee on me and then i have to change my clothes and it is such a hassle. i have done as much research as i can on this and i saw on some sites people who had once cuddly buns have become anti social since being neutered. what do you guys think i should do?

        if i do decide to get him neutered, i would really appreciate tips on how to make his visit to the vet as less stressful as possible and also what to expect after the procedure. 

        thank you all so much in advance!! 


      • Beka27
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          Rabbits mellow out as they age and that includes losing some of that affectionate behavior. With or without the neuter, chances are this would happen. Stopping the spraying is a top priority, because as you said, you’re not able to enjoy your time with him at this point. In my experience, rabbits with good habits and personalities stay that way after neutering. He’ll be ticked off for a week or so until he feels better, but after that, everything should be fine. Since he’s spraying, you will want to get him neutered ASAP. In some cases, males who were neutered months after this behavior started, continue to spray after the procedure. It ceases being hormonal and becomes a habit.


        • Elrohwen
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            I agree with Beka – I think most times buns just mellow with age and it’s not related to the neuter. Mine actually became more affectionate after his neuter (though, once again, I think it was unrelated). I would absolutely do it. He’ll be a much nicer pet to live with and will have a much happier life not worrying about breeding all the time.


          • littlemissflip
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              My bun is super super attached to me (and only me)–has been since day 1. He used to spray me constantly, which my husband thought was hilarious. (Me, not so much.) Now one year post-neuter, he is still super affectionate and runs excitedly up to me anytime I enter the room. Only difference: he doesn’t spray me with urine!

              Our previous bunny did seem to mellow a bit with his neuter, but if Captain Danger plans on mellowing, it hasn’t happened yet.


            • LoveChaCha
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                If he spraying you – I would get him neutered.

                My rabbit never stopped giving me kisses after she was spayed. She has calmed down, still gives me kisses, and footflicks.

                some rabbits in general do not like to be cuddled… You must have a lucky one


              • RabbitPam
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                  I agree with Beka totally. If he becomes less affectionate it is as much to do with his age as anything else, so it’s going to happen to a degree even if you don’t. What will be better is his other behavior that you can’t enjoy now, and while we don’t know of any direct links to health problems, it still is a good idea to get him neutered. Who knows? Maybe some day you will want a second bunny and if you do, at least he will be free to meet one without any cause for concern. (Or you can keep your luvbug all to yourself. He will still luv you. )


                • Monkeybun
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                    I would definitely get him neutered. You can’t enjoy his company if he sprays you, and you’ll get really tired of it at some point. It’s better to get him neutered, then you won’t have to worry about it at all


                  • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                      Ditto all. I know that elective surgery can be daunting but if you find a competent rabbit vet it’s a breeze. If you’d like tips on how to choose a good rabbit vet you can read here: http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html

                      To make it less stressful ensure your bunny has been to the vet. You can do a checkup first so he meets the vet, and neuter day is not his first time in a carrier or for a car ride or in a strange place. Neuters are very standard so if you choose a good vet, ensure you get pain medication and keep him quiet (i.e. no parties that night!) when he gets home-he’ll do fine


                    • BinkyBunny
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                         Regarding the “soooooooo affectionate” side changing: 

                        Sometimes the “affectionate” side of a very attentive bunny is the need to mate, so though your bunny , after neutering,  may be more calm in seeking you, circling you and…eh hem… spraying you, once he is neutered, he just may have a more calm affection –ready for plenty of nose rubs and love but at a much level-headed pace.  

                        And Beka is right about getting his neutered asap since he sprays.  Jack was not neutered until about 1 1/2 or so (he had fathered kits–all before he was given up and I adopted him) and he still sprays!  Just sprayed Vivian a few hours ago.  (and this is while he is dealing with health issues, so it is deeply ingrained!)  I never could figure out a way to curb it.  So, my suggestion, neuter asap. 

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                    Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Should I neuter my very affectionate bun bun? (he sprays)