Effect of castration on rabbits housed in littermate pairs (1999)

Kalagassy, E. B., Carbone, L. G., Houpt, K. A.

Abstract

This study investigated the possibilities that male siblings will remain compatible if never separated from birth and that castration will improve compatibility. In paired animals there was no evidence of the stereotypies observed among individually housed rabbits. Castrated ... littermates demonstrated a significantly higher level of living together compatibility than did the intact controls. All rabbits chose to rest in close proximity or contact, although this preference was stronger in castrated males. During puberty, intact males displayed more serious aggression. ... Paired rabbits exhibit many postures and behaviors that are not possible in the small, solitary cages currently listed as minimum recommendations.