How to tell whether a rabbit is male or female
Perhaps you're first-time rabbit owners, or you've just got a pair of new rabbits. It can be tricky to tell male and female rabbits apart, so we've put together handy illustrated guides to help you below.
How to hold your rabbits
Be firm and gentle when handling your rabbits - and stay quiet and calm.
If they're not used to being handled, this could be stressful for them and they may struggle and try to escape. If so, try again when they are calmer. If they remain stressed, please ask your vet to check their sex for you instead.
When you're trying to sex rabbits, it can be easier to sit with them on your lap or on a table, as they can wriggle. Put a towel on the table first to make it less slippery. Don't hold them on their back as they find this very stressful.
It will be difficult to hold your rabbit and sex them simultaneously, so it's best to ask someone to help you.
To handle your rabbit, keep them secure by placing one hand across their chest.
Hold them upright and close to your body.
Place one hand under their bottom. This will support their weight fully. You should now be in a position to identify the sex.
How to tell if your rabbit is male
This rabbit is a young male, around eight weeks old. Males under 10 weeks don't have obvious testes, and neutered males won't have any.
- To see the genitals more clearly, part the fur above them.
- Apply gentle pressure and the penis will emerge
- The anus sits at the lowest point below the genitals and is separate from the genitals.
How to tell if your rabbit is female
This young female is around eight weeks old.
- To see the genitals more clearly, part the fur above them.
- Apply gentle pressure and nothing will emerge.
- The vagina and anus are immediately next to each other.
If in doubt, ask your vet
If you're still not sure whether your rabbits are male or female, or if you want advice on how to handle your rabbits, please talk to your vet.
Neutering
Neutering can stop unwanted pregnancies, help stop same-sex pairs from fighting and guard against some diseases.
