Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Admin
New rabbit owners and some avid groomers often find it hard to differentiate between a male vs a female rabbit. One way to tell apart a male and female rabbit is by examining their genitals. Bucks have two visible testicles, while females have v-shaped genitalia.
Determining the gender for kittens below four months entails gently pressing the region they urinate from. If your young rabbit is male then its penis will protrude, however, its testicles are visible at around 3 months old. This article compares bucks and does and what you need to know when it comes to adoption.
Between a male and female rabbit, which one is more aggressive?
Male rabbits in general are friendly with a laid-back and less aggressive temperament. However, if left unsupervised, they’re more likely to fight against other new males over territory. Female rabbits on the other hand are generally the more aggressive gender especially around their nest, more so if they have kittens. When bored, confined to a small space or when you invade their personal space, both male and female bunnies tend to show aggression. This includes: biting, nipping, thumping, screaming, chasing, and even fighting.
It’s worth pointing out, however, that neutering or spaying your pet helps to reduce aggression and dominant tendencies. Desexing your rabbit also ensures that they are more tolerant with other pets and humans for that matter.
Male rabbit’s behavior
- Mounting
Unneutered male rabbits frequently mount or hump on females, which causes overbreeding if left unchecked. It’s therefore ideal to neuter your bunny to minimize this behavior. Desexing a male rabbit is cheaper and the procedure is less complicated when compared to spaying a female bunny. On the other hand, you can simply adopt a neutered bunny from the shelter.
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Territorial tendencies
Male rabbits in general are less territorial since instinctively, in the wild they spend most of their time outside their homes looking for food or marking their territory. As a result, they are less likely to bite or attack when you reach for their enclosure.
However, Bucks are usually territorial over a specific zone as opposed to their enclosure. In some circumstances, when their hutch falls around their marked territory, they’ll definitely be on the offensive against an intrusion.
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Spraying
Spraying is the act of male rabbits urinating in places they consider as theirs. Although females also occasionally spray, it’s not as common as their male counterparts. Unneutered males often spray urine around corners of a room, underneath the furniture, or other secluded areas they’re fond of. As a result, the highly rich ammonia urine will reek your house, stain your carpet or damage your wooden floor. A good pet stain remover and cleaner, therefore, come in handy.
- Hygiene
Even though rabbits clean themselves naturally, males tend to have a strong musky smell, especially during mating season. Use a wet cotton swab to clean the scent glands around your pet’s private region. Additionally, neuter your buck, groom them properly, and also make sure their habitat is clean 24/7.
Pros and cons of keeping a male rabbit
Pros
- They have a laid back and friendlier temperament
- They are less destructive
- Neutering them is cheaper
Cons
- Males will spray frequently if unneutered
- They mount on objects
- They are often protective of females and aggressive towards other males
Female Rabbits behavior
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Territorial tendencies
Female rabbits are more aggressive and territorial around their personal space. In other words, Does naturally spend a lot of time inside burrows with their young ones. As a result, they are instinctively more protective of their enclosures when compared to their male counterparts.
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Hygiene
When it comes to personal hygiene, female rabbits, in general, are cleaner with better grooming habits when compared to male bunnies. Does also spray urine occasionally unlike their male counterparts making them reek less.
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Digging
Female rabbits in the wild not only dig tunnels but also do so naturally when they are about to give birth. As a result, an indoor female bunny is, therefore, most likely to dig into anything they can get under their feet such as rags, carpets, or even hardwood floors. Preventing this destructive habit entails rabbit proofing your home or better yet, providing them with digging toys or a secluded safe digging area.
Pros and cons of keeping a female rabbit
Pros
- They get along with other females
- They reach maturity faster
- Are generally less timid when it comes to human interaction
- When spayed, they are usually less destructive
Cons
- They are dominant and territorial
- Prone to uterine cancer if left unsprayed
- They love digging which can be destructive
- Spaying is more expensive than neutering
Can male and female bunnies live together?
Yes, they actually make the best pair if you take a few things into consideration. Neuter the male and spay the female to prevent overbreeding and aggression. It’s also worth pointing out that a male vs a female rabbit bond is much easier particularly if they’re not related. Also bear in mind that gender alone doesn’t determine a rabbit’s personality. Other factors such as a bunny’s breed, age, and living conditions also contribute to their general behavior. Lastly, ensure that your bunnies have a safe living space, enough toys, and a spacious play area.
Can two male rabbits live together?
Yes, however, only when they are siblings or were raised together from childhood. Male rabbits tend to be territorial and will occasionally fight for space in the wild. However, in captivity, their fights are more likely to be intense and more frequent simply because they’re confined to a specific living space. Always ensure that you occasionally take your pets outside their hutch to play, exercise, and most importantly, give each one of them their personal space.
Can two female rabbits live together and get along?
Two spayed Does or those that are siblings are most likely to get along. However, when they’re on heat, they tend to be aggressive and territorial especially when confined in the same enclosure.
Conclusion
When it comes to making a choice between a male and female rabbit, it all boils down to the kind of personality you want. For instance, if you want a rabbit with a less timid and dominant temperament, especially around other pets, then a female rabbit is ideal. On the other hand, if you want a laid-back bunny that gets along with your loved ones, then get a male rabbit instead. Finally, if you’re having a hard time choosing between a male vs a female rabbit, then adopt both since they make the best companions.
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