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.
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. Place one hand under their bottom. This will support their weight fully. You should now be in a position to identify the sex. 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.
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 can stop unwanted pregnancies, help stop same-sex pairs from fighting and guard against some diseases.
Find out more about neutering. Watch our video to find out how to keep your rabbits in tip top condition. Learn more about the health and welfare needs of rabbits. Find out how to use enrichment to improve your rabbits' welfare. Home Advice and welfare Pets Rabbits Sexing rabbits.
