rabbit smell

[deborah kay]

why does my male rabbit smell. it is similar to body odour, is this normal?

[Eno-Missy]

I would presume that the odour is normal, especially as he is a male. I presume this as my male guinea pigs have a strong odour too. It is similar to that of a Tom cat (not in smell but in it's nature). A male cat will 'spray' its territory and, not that Guinea pigs and rabbits are territorial animals but, they will also scent their homes and possesions. (even favourite people.. one of my prize boars Kenny will always rub his scent all over my sister when she visits). So in it's nature I would say that it is perfectly normal. Unfortunately, I have never kept male rabbits only ever females but, they also have their own particular scent.. although I should imagine less pungent to that of the male.

[New Forester]

Male rabbits do have quite a strong scent, which is just part of the macho task of being a red-blooded buck. Partly it's because they spray urine about the place more than females do. They are a bit more aggressive, too, in my experience. If this is a problem, you could consider castration -- though if it's only the smell, I suggest you put up with it.

[Donna G]

The odour in normal.  I've just got a male rabbit after having a female for 2 years, and they definitely smell different.  It's down to marking territory (spraying) and the urge to mate.  I recommend getting him neutered as this should stop the spraying altogether and his urine won't smell as strong over time.