Breeding rabbits with the right approach can be a very profitable business. But, of course, only with good animal care. The owner of the mini-farm needs to know not only how to feed the animals and carry out the mating, but, for example, how to castrate. This procedure in many cases is considered necessary and is carried out in most rabbit farms.
Why castration
Rabbits - animals are very active and mobile. During sexual hunting, males can fight with each other, bite themselves and even attack surrounding objects. As a result, their skin deteriorates. Castration of rabbits can completely solve this problem.
Also, the benefit of such an operation is as follows:
In quick weight gain. Since castrated rabbits behave calmly, their muscle mass and fat build up much faster. This reduces (up to 30%) the amount of feed consumed. Everything else, and the meat in such animals becomes much more tender and tasty.
In increasing the cleanliness of animals. Rabbits stop marking the territory, do not leave “spools” anywhere.
In improving the appearance of the skin. The fur of the castrated becomes smooth and clean, does not fall off.
In an increase in animal immunity. After castration, rabbits get less sick, and their lifespan increases (which is important especially for decorative breeds).
At what age do surgery
Not all rabbits can be castrated. For animals over six years old, it is completely contraindicated. As a result of castration, an old rabbit may even die. This operation is not recommended for animals older than 4 years.
Testicles in young animals of small breeds (butterfly, Californian) fall into the scrotum at 3-4 months, in large animals (rabbits giants white and gray, flanders) - at 4.5-5 months. It is this time that is considered optimal for castration. Most rabbit breeders believe that later this operation is even impractical. Animals older than two years before castration should be examined for the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system. The operation of such rabbits is usually done only for medicinal purposes. For example, in the event of health problems such as dropsy, scrotal hernia, varicose veins, etc.
Ways to castrate rabbits at home
An operation to remove the testes can be performed using two main technologies:
The first technique is most often applied to young animals. Mature rabbits should be castrated in a closed way.
Preparatory Activities
12 hours before the operation, the rabbit needs to stop feeding. Otherwise, the intestines may fall out after castration in the animal. It is allowed to put some grass or hay into the rabbit's cage. The water in the drinker should be left. Before castration, the cell should be thoroughly disinfected with the use of special preparations, or simply with the “White” remedy and the litter should be replaced.
Actually, castration of rabbits is performed using:
On hands you need to wear new rubber gloves. Before castration, the thread, scissors and scalpel should be placed in alcohol for several minutes.
Open operation
Castration of rabbits is a relatively simple procedure. But it is best done with an assistant who will hold the animal. If there is no acquaintance willing to assist during the operation, improvised means are also allowed. It can be, for example, a can or an old boot. The animal must be placed head down in them so that the legs and the venue of the manipulations remain outside. But of course, this must be done carefully (rabbits have a very sensitive nose and weak cervical vertebrae).
Anesthesia when performing surgery at home is usually not used. But, if you do everything quickly and carefully, the rabbit will practically not feel pain. In any case, there will be no characteristic screech or special attempts to break out. The fact is that the pain threshold in these animals is quite low.
Actually, castration of rabbits in an open way is carried out as follows:
The testis is gently pulled out (rabbits can draw them in).
Grease it with iodine tincture.
A quick movement cut through the skin in the longitudinal direction.
Take the testis out.
The ligament and vascular bundle are ligated with a disinfected thread (three knots).
Cut the bundle and bundle above the thread with scissors.
Dress the remainder of the ligament and bundle back into the scrotum.
Sometimes castration is done in an open way and in a slightly different way. In this case, the vascular node and ligament are twisted into several turns (about 10). Then tightly holding the twist with his right hand, the testis is sharply torn with his left. This method makes castration faster. However, experienced farmers are advised to still dress the testes. In this case, after surgery, the risk of unwanted bleeding is reduced.
Private Castration
In this case, the scalpel is not used. The rabbit must be kept upright, head up. With this body position, the retracted testes descend into the scrotum. If the animal is very scared and this does not happen, it should just be shaken slightly in a relaxed state.
The rabbits are castrated in a closed way using a very simple technology. Those who are afraid of blood should use this particular technique. In this case, the descended testes along with the scrotum are simply pulled to the side horizontally and tightly bandaged with an alcoholized thread (to the crack of the spermatic cord). After this, the manipulation site is lubricated with iodine. Next, the animal is released into the cage. After about 3-6 days, the bandaged testes dry out and fall off themselves.
Care after surgery
According to the technologies described above, it is possible to perform an operation on animals of any breeds. This is how rabbits giants, Rexes, flanders, chishillas are castrated. After the procedure of removing testes, the animal must, of course, ensure proper care. In a cage with a neutered rabbit, food should be put in (a little smaller than usual). Then for several days the animal needs to be observed. Most often, castration surgery does not cause any negative consequences in rabbits. Already at about 2-3 days the animal moves away from stress and begins to behave in the usual way.
In the event of any complications - loss of loops of the intestine, omentum, etc. - you should call a veterinarian. If the operation was performed by the open method, the wounds should be examined twice a day. Sometimes it happens that a rabbit after castration damages them themselves (combing or biting). If such attempts are noticed, the wounds should be treated with hydrogen peroxide, and a plastic collar should be put on the animal itself. Another problem that can occur after castration is a violation of the intestinal microflora. If this happens, the animal must be treated with acidophilus.
The cost of sterilizing a rabbit
As you can see, the procedure for removing testes from rabbits is relatively simple. Most farmers carry it out on their own. However, inexperienced rabbit breeders nevertheless it is better to castrate animals to the veterinarian. In this case, the farmer will have the opportunity to observe the actions of a specialist. Having gained visual experience and relevant recommendations, in the future he will be able to carry out such operations with his own hands.
Castration at home is not too expensive - about 500 p. for the procedure itself and another 500 p. for the departure of the veterinarian in the daytime. This simple and practically safe operation lasts only about 5-10 minutes.