Does "spraying" stop when rabbit matures?

[Anthony Fayo]

> Do male bunnies stop spraying when they reach maturity? If so, at
> what age do they reach maturity? If not, is neutering my best option
> or can they be "trained" not to spray?

Reaching maturity starts the spraying so sorry it is unlikely to stop!
Neutering will in most cases stop this behavior, I haven't heard of
anyone who has successfully trained their buck not to spray. Neutering
is pretty common and less risky than spaying, just be sure you go to a
rabbit knowledgeable and experienced vet! The mortality rate should be
1% or less, my vet has never had a buck die from neutering so it is very
safe.

Corinne

[Anthony Fayo]

[Bill Havice]

Our male bunny Holmes hit puberty several weeks ago. He is about four
and a half months old. Since then, I have become the object of his
affection. I've been graced with many, many licks as well as "circle"
dances (with little grunty sounds). Unfortunately, he has decided
that he wants to claim me for his own and I've been sprayed many
times.

Do male bunnies stop spraying when they reach maturity? If so, at
what age do they reach maturity? If not, is neutering my best option
or can they be "trained" not to spray?

Many thanks,

- Bill Havice

[ksch...@dps.state.vt.us]

Bill, I agree, I had my rabbit neutered over a year ago and
my spraying problems stopped. I must admit I never have been
"claimed" during one of my rabbits dances. :)

-Kristy

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[Troy Denkinger]

In article <5jg6ri$7...@fridge-nf0.shore.net>, hav...@shore.net (Bill Havice) wrote:

[spraying woes snipped]

>Do male bunnies stop spraying when they reach maturity? If so, at
>what age do they reach maturity? If not, is neutering my best option
>or can they be "trained" not to spray?

In my experience, they do not grow out of it. I've rescued adult males who
were quite happy to spray. Neutering _usually_ will take care of this
behavior, but be warned that in rare occurrences this does not help either.

Good luck,

Troy Denkinger -- Whadda Group Communications <http://www.whadda.com>
Get the Denkinger Personal Rabbit FAQ at http://www.whadda.com/faqs/rabbitfaq.html

[BCWooly]

Troy's back! Where on earth have you been?

[michelle]

Bill Havice wrote:
>
> Do male bunnies stop spraying when they reach maturity? If so, at
> what age do they reach maturity? If not, is neutering my best option
> or can they be "trained" not to spray?
>

> Many thanks,
>
> - Bill Havice

Hi Bill,
I can't tell you about all rabbits, but mine(runny-bunny) was a little
over two years old when I finally had him neutered. From the time he
was about four months until then, he sprayed. I have two new "babies"
and they have just started doing their thing; I intend to have them done
as soon as the next paycheck comes in. The best thing about the
neutering is that their urine loses most of it's strong odor afterwards.
good luck,
michelle

[Larry Anderson & Diane Hare]

And I've a nearly 2-year old buck who hasn't sprayed since he joined our
household early this year. I don't know what his habits were before.

He does not have any active competition for territory except us and when
he indicates "Move out of my way" we move.

He deals with realistic-looking fuzzy toy rabbits in an assertive
non-violent manner. Their presence may have helped prevent spraying.
(Just a theory)

Diane Hare/MS.HARE foxn...@goldrush.com San Andreas,CA snotmyfault
Visit our web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare

[NERMAL125]

For everyone that has a problem with their male rabbit spraying, they
never out grow that. The only thing that you can do to stop that is to
take your bunny to a vet that specializes in caring for small animals and
get him neutered. This should stop his spraying. He is only spraying you
because he loves you and is claiming you as his territory. Good
Luck, Nermal