The first step in determining the sex of a rabbit is to hold the animal on its back and gently pull its tail. If the rabbit tries to get out, it may fracture its spine. You can also gently pull the rabbit’s tail outward with your forefinger and second finger. Press down on the belly just above the vent area and look for two holes. The one closest to the rear of the rabbit’s body is its anus, while the one nearest the belly is the genitalia.
The sex of a rabbit can also be determined visually. A male rabbit’s testicles are visible and are located in the groin area between the hind legs. The testicles are long, thin, and not ball-like or round. Male rabbits also have testicles visible on their vents. The scrotum is covered with fur but is not visible in younger male rabbits.
While adult male rabbits have testicles, male rabbits with unaltered genitalia may have lower testicles or only a penis. In these cases, it is best to take the rabbit to the vet and have him or her scanned. If the rabbit has no testicles, it is probably a female. Fortunately, female rabbits begin this process the same way as male rabbits.
A small rabbit is easier to identify. The penis is not prominent enough to tell the gender of a rabbit. However, you can hold it upside down and examine the genitalia. Male rabbits have tubular genitalia close to the anus, while female rabbits have non-protruding anus. In both cases, the genitalia are scrunched.
Another way to identify the sex of a rabbit is to look for the sex mark below the vent. Does will have a pink banding along one side, while buck rabbits will have a blunt tube without a pointed end. If you are unsure how to spot a buck rabbit, check with a local rabbit breeder. There will be obvious differences in their markings, so take the time to look for an older buck.
Once a rabbit is six to eight weeks old, it will be easier to determine its sex. Baby rabbits are too young for this process, as their genitals are not fully developed yet. However, you can tell whether a rabbit is a boy or a girl by pressing gently around the vent. After this, you can handle a rabbit without fear of rejecting the mother.
In conclusion, knowing the sex of a rabbit can help you name your pet appropriately, avoid unwanted pregnancy, and choose the right name. Also, determining the sex of a rabbit will ensure that it’s spayed. Since female rabbits have a higher reproductive rate, you can save your rabbit from uterine cancer by sexing it at a young age.
