Spaying and Neutering of Rabbits Born at our rabbitry:

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We have a partnership with a veterinary clinic that allows us to offer spayed and neutered rabbits before they leave for their new families. They can be fixed as early as 8 weeks old. Their recovery will take place here in a familiar environment (often alongside their mother) to minimize stress. They will be ready to join their new families afterward, following the veterinarian's recommendations. 

The early neutering of male rabbits offers several benefits, both for their health and behavior. Here are the main advantages of early neuter in male rabbits:

1. Reduction of Undesirable Behaviors

   • Decreased aggression: Unneutered male rabbits can become aggressive, particularly toward other rabbits or even humans. Neutering reduces this behavior by lowering sexual hormone levels.

   • Reduced urine marking: Unneutered males tend to mark their territory by urinating, which can lead to cleanliness issues.

   • Lower incidence of mounting behavior: Unneutered male rabbits may display mounting behavior toward other rabbits, objects, or even humans, which can be problematic.

2. Improved Cohabitation

   • Better relationships with other rabbits: Neutered males are often calmer and more sociable, making it easier for them to live with other rabbits, whether male or female.

   • Fewer fights: Unneutered males are more likely to fight, especially in the presence of females. Neutering reduces the risk of conflicts and injuries.

3. Prevention of Health Issues

   • Lower risk of certain diseases: While males are less prone to reproductive health issues than females, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular tumors and reduces the likelihood of infections in reproductive organs.

4. Population Control

   • Avoidance of unwanted litters: Early sterilization prevents accidental pregnancies if a male rabbit lives with one or more females. This helps control the rabbit population and avoid overpopulation.

5. Improved General Well-Being

   • Reduced hormone-related stress: Neutering lowers stress associated with reproductive behaviors and high testosterone levels, improving the rabbit’s overall well-being.

6. Safer Procedure When Performed Early

   • Faster recovery: Young rabbits typically recover more quickly after neutering than older ones, reducing the risk of postoperative complications.

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Here are some of the main benefits of early spaying in female rabbits:

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1. Disease Prevention

   • Reduced risk of uterine and ovarian cancer: In female rabbits, uterine tumors are common, especially from the age of 3–4 years. Early spaying eliminates this risk.

   • Decreased reproductive system infections: Unspayed females can develop uterine infections, such as pyometra (a buildup of pus in the uterus), which can be severe and require urgent medical intervention.

2. Behavioral Improvement

   • Reduction in aggression: Female rabbits can become territorial and aggressive upon reaching sexual maturity. Early spaying can help mitigate these undesirable behaviors.

   • Less marking behavior: Unspayed females may mark their territory by inappropriate urination. Spaying reduces this tendency.

3. Population Control

   • Prevention of unwanted litters: Early spaying prevents accidental pregnancies, contributing to population control, which is especially important in multi-rabbit households or when females coexist with males.

4. General Well-Being

   • Reduced stress from hormonal cycles: Spayed females no longer experience hormonal fluctuations associated with reproductive cycles, leading to improved overall well-being and quality of life.

5. Easier Cohabitation

   • Better integration into groups: A spayed female is more likely to get along well with other rabbits, as the absence of territorial or reproductive behaviors makes cohabitation more harmonious.

6. Safer Procedure When Done Early

   • Faster recovery: Younger females often recover more quickly after surgery than older ones, reducing postoperative risks.

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https://rabbit.org/care/how-old-for-spay-or-neuter/

 

https://www.larabbits.org/rabbit-care

 

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/neutering-castration-and-spaying/

 

https://rabbitresource.org/rabbit-care-information-and-resources/spay-neuter-information-and-resources/

 

http://www.cuniculture.info/Docs/Documentation/Publi-Lebas/2000-2009/2000-Jehl-et-al-WRC-Castration-1-performance-carcasse.pdf

 

https://www.moehren-sind-orange.de/kastration-bei-maennlichen-kaninchen/#:~:text=Zudem%20wird%20die%20Kastration%20im,Rassen%20sind%20gerne%20mal%20frühreif!

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Early spaying and neutering in rabbits can seem like a challenging topic for some, but it is, in fact, a beneficial decision for both the animal and its owner. While the idea of this procedure may evoke strong emotions, it’s important to understand that spaying and neutering is a common veterinary practice performed safely by experienced professionals. The surgery is carried out under anesthesia, and although any operation carries some risks—whether for humans or animals—these risks are minimal when the procedure is performed early by a veterinarian specialized in exotic animal care. Rabbits typically recover very quickly after getting fixed, often faster than when the procedure is delayed to an older age.

We are proud to share that none of our rabbits has ever suffered complications or died as a result of spaying or neutering surgery. The health and well-being of our rabbits are our top priorities, and we go to great lengths to ensure their safety at every stage of their lives.

Recently, we have been made aware of malicious rumors spread by certain breeders and shelters, questioning the validity of our rabbits' neutering or suggesting that the surgeries were not conducted by a licensed veterinarian. These claims are entirely false and amount to an attempt to defame our rabbitry. We want to reassure our adopters that we are prepared to take all necessary legal action to defend ourselves against these baseless accusations and to protect our reputation, as well as that of our veterinarian.

All surgeries are performed by an experienced veterinarian holding an active practice license and working in a reputable clinic, in full compliance with the Veterinary Medicine Act (Veterinary Medicine Act, Section IV, Point 7).

As we trust our veterinarian, we fully accept responsibility for any risks associated with anesthesia. 

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Genetic Selection:

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We participate in nearly all rabbit shows held in Quebec within both associations, as well as in Eastern Ontario whenever possible. Judges' feedback is invaluable for breeders, helping us make better choices for our future breeders and observe the progress of our work over generations of rabbits.

Genetic selection in rabbits is a meticulous practice aimed at enhancing specific traits in these animals, whether for breeding purposes, exhibitions, or simply for the improvement of breeds. Rabbit breeders engage in a careful process of selective breeding, choosing individuals with desirable traits as parents to produce offspring that inherit these characteristics.

The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) plays a central role in recognizing and promoting breed standards for rabbits in the United States and Canada. Breeders can participate in ARBA evaluations, where rabbits are judged according to strict criteria defined for each breed. These criteria include aspects such as color, fur, body conformation, and nail color, among others.

Participating in ARBA evaluations provides breeders with an opportunity to showcase the results of their hard work in genetic selection. It is also a chance to exchange knowledge with other enthusiasts and contribute to the continuous improvement of rabbit breeds.

However, it is essential to strike a balance between genetic selection and the well-being of the animals, ensuring that breeding practices prioritize the comfort and health of the rabbits. The ultimate goal is to preserve and enhance these wonderful animals while adhering to high ethical standards.

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Weaning Age:

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All rabbits leave our rabbitry at a minimum age of 8 weeks, in accordance with the guidelines of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Early weaning in rabbits can pose several risks to their health and well-being. Here are some of the main risks associated with premature weaning, occurring before 7 weeks of age:

1. Nutritional Issues: Premature weaning may lead to nutritional deficiencies, as young rabbits may not yet be ready to transition fully to solid food.

2. Immature Digestive System: Rabbits have delicate digestive systems, and early weaning can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea.

3. Behavioral Complications: Premature weaning can contribute to behavioral problems, such as anxiety or aggression, as rabbits miss critical time to develop proper social skills.

4. Low Body Weight: Rabbits weaned too early may have below-average body weight, which can affect their growth and overall health.

5. Weakened Immune System: Maternal milk provides essential antibodies that strengthen a rabbit’s immune system. Premature weaning can compromise this immune protection.

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Reservation Terms

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Rabbits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis through a reservation process. All rabbits listed in the "Available Animals" section can be reserved at any time. A deposit of 50% of the rabbit's total cost is required to confirm a reservation. Reservations are not official without a deposit, which must be paid via bank transfer. The remaining balance can be paid by bank transfer or in cash when picking up your new companion within 14 days. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances, including but not limited to: reservation errors, allergies, change of mind, landlord restrictions, unsuitability as a pet, distance to our location, or disagreement with a partner. Prices are non-negotiable.

We reserve the right to cancel a sale at any time. In such cases, the deposit will be refunded.

If a rabbit is being transported, the full adoption amount must be paid 12 hours before departure. If payment is not received in full, the departure will be postponed to the next available transport date with the chosen carrier. The 14-day period for collecting the reserved rabbit still applies. We can recommend alternative transporters if needed.

The rabbit's sex is not 100% guaranteed except for fixed rabbits. While we double-check before the rabbits leave our rabbitry, errors may occur. In the event of a sexing mistake, no refunds will be issued.

If you must part with a rabbit adopted from Clapier des Lucioles, we are willing to take the rabbit back, freeing up space in shelters for rabbits in urgent need. The rabbit will be fixed before being rehomed, and the new family will be carefully selected. No refunds will be provided in such cases.

Rabbits are adopted strictly as pets (breeding is not permitted). Rabbits sold to other breeders will leave with a pedigree, while those adopted as pets will receive a birth certificate. We cannot guarantee a rabbit's behavior once it reaches adolescence or adulthood. Spaying or neutering is strongly recommended to reduce hormone-related undesirable behaviors.

Our health guarantee is outlined below. We strive to protect you, our rabbits, and ourselves. Our top priority is the well-being of our rabbits. Our reputation is important to us, and while we are fair, we are firm in our policies.

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Health Guarantee:

• Congenital Defects:
  A six-month (180-day) guarantee is provided for congenital malformations, upon submission of a veterinary report.

• Replacement Policy:
  No veterinary bills will be reimbursed. If the guarantee applies, a rabbit of equal value will be provided at no additional cost when available. For neutered or spayed rabbits, the cost of the surgery will be the adopter’s responsibility if they wish to receive another fixed rabbit.

• Conditions and Exclusions:

  • The guarantee is not retroactive and must be claimed within six months (180 days) of the rabbit’s birth.

  • No compensation will be offered if the adopter does not follow the guidelines for introducing greens or transitioning feed, leading to the rabbit's illness.

  • No compensation will be given if the rabbit experiences a sudden temperature change (over 25°C in summer or below 14°C in winter) at the adopter's residence.

• Health Assessments:
  To the best of our knowledge, rabbits leave Clapier des Lucioles in good health. Before being spayed or neutered, all rabbits undergo a general health examination to ensure they can safely receive sedatives and are free of parasites. We cannot be held responsible for stress reactions due to transport or changes in habitat.

Due to the delicate nature of rabbits, we do not offer an extended health guarantee. Every effort is made on our part to provide a clean and sanitary environment to prevent infections and illnesses. However, we cannot be held responsible for bacterial or viral diseases or injuries that occur after the rabbit has left our care.

By placing a deposit to reserve a rabbit, the adopter acknowledges and accepts the terms of the health guarantee.

• Legal Limitations:
  No additional monetary claims can be made against the BREEDER by the BUYER or their legal representatives.

• Respectful Communication:
  We always communicate with respect and empathy and expect the same from others. We reserve the right to end communication permanently with anyone who is disrespectful, regardless of whether a deposit has been made or a guarantee is applicable. In such cases, deposits and guarantees will be forfeited. Insults, threats, or harassment will not be tolerated, and appropriate actions will be taken.

• Right to Refuse Adoption:
  We reserve the right to refuse an adoption at any time. The well-being of our rabbits is, and always will be, our top priority.