Neutering

Hi folks

Just a quick question as I've asked three different people and had three different answers Anyway, I trust you lot! New bun (if I'm not careful that'll end up being his name) was neutered on 3rd July - how long after his op is it safe for him to move in with Tibbs (who is an unspayed female)? I've heard anything from three weeks to two months!

I think it's eight weeks. After eight weeks, he isn't fertile anymore.

The safest answer is 8 weeks although TBH I have paired males with unneutered females at 4 weeks without trouble.

Are you planning on speying the female eventually? At this time of year it may make bonding harder with her feling frustratingly hormonal (if she is of age).

Yes, I'm hoping to get Tibbs spayed later this year, but after what happened to Nibbler I'd prefer to use a different vet

How do I tell if she's hormonal?

Hormonal Does can get grumpy and become very territorial. Some may have pseudo-pregnancies and start building nests all the time.
This is very likely to occur if there is a Buck about, even a neutered one. Does are induced ovulators and its the smell and behaviour of a Buck that causes ovulation and the consequent pseudo-pregnancy. They also often ovulate if another Doe humps them as a sign of dominance.

Janex

Hmmm, she's not been massively grumpy recently but I'd better keep an eye on her New Bun will be living in his own hutch and run next door to her for a few weeks so they can have a good sniff at each other, and the rescue suggested that I swap them into each other's hutches every so often so they can get used to sharing their territory. They've recommended a vet that they use as well, so I think I'll book Tibbs in sooner rather than later.

Has new bun got a name yet? Hope Tibbs doesn't get too stroppy and good luck with the bonding.