Rabbit Sex: Curious Differences Between Male and Female Rabbits

Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Dan Mehta

When it comes to rabbits, there are some key differences in rabbit sex (or gender) when comparing male and female rabbits that all bunny lovers should be aware of.

For starters, male and female bunnies have completely different reproductive organs.

It’s actually quite easy to tell male and female rabbits apart – all you need is a quick peek at their reproductive organs (under their tails). Male rabbits have a penis, while female rabbits have a tiny reproductive uterine opening.

But there’s more to it than that! Read on to find out what they are.

How to Tell a Rabbit’s Sex

It’s fairly easy to tell a rabbit’s sex. Although, you have to be careful in handling your rabbit when doing so.

Male rabbits also have two small testicles, located just behind the penis. Female rabbits have a pair of ovaries, located near the uterus. If you’re not sure which rabbit is which, just take a look at their genitals and you’ll be able to tell in a snap!

They also reach sexual maturity in different stages depending on their gender and their breed.

When it comes to sexual maturity, rabbits are definitely early bloomers. Male rabbits typically reach sexual maturity at around 6 weeks of age, while female rabbits often mature sexually as early as 4 months old.

Also, smaller breeds like dwarf and miniature rabbits tend to mature a bit later than larger breeds like the Flemish Giants.

What are the Most Common Traits of Male Rabbits?

For starters, males are generally friendlier and less territorial than females. This can make them easier to introduce to new environments and other rabbits. 

They’re also less expensive to neuter, which is an important consideration for many pet owners. However, if they are not neutered they tend to spray and scatter poop which can be a chore to clean up.

Male rabbits are also more aggressive when they are threatened they also often mount which can cause fights with other rabbits or other pets.

What are the Most Common Traits of Female Rabbits?

In general, female rabbits tend to be more aloof than their male counterparts. Therefore, they are not recommended as pets for beginners.

They also tend to be more expensive to spay at the vet, as the surgery is more complicated and invasive. Additionally, female rabbits are often more territorial because they are the ones who stay behind warrens while male rabbits forage for food.

Female behaviors are also more susceptible to other destructive traits such as digging and scratching because they are tasked to make nests and burrows for their babies.

However, they can also make excellent pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort. Female rabbits are often just as playful and adventurous as males, but they can also be more stubborn. With patience and proper training, though, female rabbits can make great companions.

Rabbit Sex Behavior of Male vs Female Bunnies

When it comes to sexual behavior, rabbits are not so different from humans. Like people, rabbits have different mating habits depending on their gender. Female rabbits tend to be more choosy when it comes to mates, and they usually mate with only one male.

Male rabbits, on the other hand, are far less picky. They will often mate with several females, and they have also been known to mate with other males.

In addition, male rabbits are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors during mating season. These differences in sexual behavior can be chalked up to the different roles that each gender plays in reproduction.

Female rabbits need to be selective in order to ensure that their offspring are healthy and strong, while male rabbits need to spread their genes as much as possible.

“Breed Like Rabbits” – Where Does The Term Come From?

Rabbits are well-known for their high fertility rates, and the phrase “breeding like rabbits” is often used to describe a population that is growing quickly. But where does this phrase come from? 

Rabbits are capable of ovulating during intercourse, which means that they can become pregnant multiple times in a short period of time.

In addition, rabbits have large litters, often consisting of six or more kittens. As a result, rabbits can reproduce at an astonishing rate, with one female producing up to dozens of offspring in just one year. 

Fun Fact: During rabbit sex, the male rabbit mounts the female rabbit and copulates very rapidly and quickly. The male rabbit then will collapse and lay motionless on the ground once he's done.

What are Different Causes of Sex-Specific Behaviors in Rabbits?

There is no single answer to the question of what causes sex-specific behaviors in rabbits. Rather, it is a complex interaction between a number of different factors.

Though we often think of hormones as being responsible for sex-specific behaviors, there are actually a number of different factors that can influence these behaviors in rabbits.

For example, the hormones produced by the adrenal gland can have an impact on sexual behavior. Additionally, the size and shape of the genitalia can also influence mating behaviors.

Finally, social factors such as dominance hierarchy can also play a role in sex-specific behaviors.

Conclusion

Male and female rabbits may look similar on the outside, but there are some major differences between the sexes when it comes to their biology and behavior.

If you’re thinking of getting a rabbit, be sure to do your research first so that you can provide them with the best possible care.

Also know that spaying and neutering rabbits will be more beneficial to them as this greatly reduces their risk of reproductive cancers.