How to Sex Newborn & Very Young Rabbit Kits
It is fairly straight forward sexing newborn bunnies but only if you learn how. With a little bit of practise, it is an accurate method for sexing. I have written this for you because I found it difficult to learn how because I could not identify the difference between the two sex's genital area, it was never explained well enough on the sites I was viewing. So, if you are struggling too this may help you. At the end I have a little quiz to test you if you'd like some practise!!!
It is vitally important for breeders to be able to sex their day old kits; it gives the impression you are experienced and most importantly helps you organise your breeding programmes better. Identifying sex's using two methods rather than just one reduces the likelihood of making sexing errors (especially errors made due to "split penis"). If you are selling to pet homes there should never be any errors made. I still check the sex every 3 weeks as a breeder must NEVER make sexing mistakes when petting out rabbits.
I have tried to make this guide as simple as possible. If you don't understand something please contact me as it's likely you're not the only one.
It is vitally important for breeders to be able to sex their day old kits; it gives the impression you are experienced and most importantly helps you organise your breeding programmes better. Identifying sex's using two methods rather than just one reduces the likelihood of making sexing errors (especially errors made due to "split penis"). If you are selling to pet homes there should never be any errors made. I still check the sex every 3 weeks as a breeder must NEVER make sexing mistakes when petting out rabbits.
I have tried to make this guide as simple as possible. If you don't understand something please contact me as it's likely you're not the only one.
Identifying a Young Kits Gender
Turn the rabbit over. Look at their genitalia closey. It's much easier if you hold the kit firmly in one hand to ensure baby is not wriggling. Take your time. Dont rush. Don't try to do this in a hurry or while your under pressure (e.g. make sure mum is out the hutch in her run etc).
The following pictures are of a male kit and a female kit held on their backs in my hand. After the picture, I will explain the difference you will learn to notice.
The following pictures are of a male kit and a female kit held on their backs in my hand. After the picture, I will explain the difference you will learn to notice.
The Difference Between the Genitalia
There is no need to press/touch or move anything when studying the sex of very young rabbits (unlike when they are older). You are not making anything "pop out" but only looking at the genitals of the baby rabbit to identify a difference in the genital opening.
When the rabbit is turned over in your hand, start by identifying the kits anus (the "bump" with an opening nearest the tail), then identify the genitalia (another "bump" with an opening). I think of the two areas as "Bumps" with "openings" because it makes it easier to explain to you. The genitalia of the male and female "Bumps" differ in how the openings appear.
The male genital opening is a circular hole situated in the middle of the genital bump.
The female genital opening is more of a line than a hole in the genital bump. The line also reaches the anal "bump". This gives the impression that the female genital opening is closer to the anal opening on the anal "bump", it isn't its just that its a line rather than a hole, so the opening reaches further.
You will also notice that the male genital "bump" is bigger than its anal "bump".
The female genital "bump" is about the same size as the anal "bump".
Now look at the annotated images below and we will go over that again but with images....
When the rabbit is turned over in your hand, start by identifying the kits anus (the "bump" with an opening nearest the tail), then identify the genitalia (another "bump" with an opening). I think of the two areas as "Bumps" with "openings" because it makes it easier to explain to you. The genitalia of the male and female "Bumps" differ in how the openings appear.
The male genital opening is a circular hole situated in the middle of the genital bump.
The female genital opening is more of a line than a hole in the genital bump. The line also reaches the anal "bump". This gives the impression that the female genital opening is closer to the anal opening on the anal "bump", it isn't its just that its a line rather than a hole, so the opening reaches further.
You will also notice that the male genital "bump" is bigger than its anal "bump".
The female genital "bump" is about the same size as the anal "bump".
Now look at the annotated images below and we will go over that again but with images....
Annotated Difference of Male/Female Genitals in Newborn Rabbit Kits
The difference is subtle, so take a while examining the pictures and comparing them. When you feel like you understand this idea... test yourself with the quiz below!
Sexing Newborn Rabbit Kits: The Quiz!
Here is a gallery of kits and (strangely) their genitalia. On the photo's I have written a number. Write down the number and what sex you think that kit is. Repeat this for as many photos as you can bare. When you have completed the quiz, check your answers (answers are given in a link at the bottom of the page). Good Luck!
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Answers: Please click HERE.