Telling whether a rabbit is male or female is trickier than it sounds, because rabbits do not have obvious external differences the way many animals do. Getting it right matters, though, especially if you keep more than one rabbit, since a mistaken guess can quickly lead to an unexpected litter. This guide explains exactly how to sex a rabbit, step by step, and how to tell the gender at different ages.
Why sexing a rabbit is difficult
Unlike cats or dogs, male and female rabbits look almost identical from the outside. Male rabbits, called bucks, do not have obvious external anatomy when young, and female rabbits, called does, are similar in size and shape. The only reliable way to tell them apart is to gently examine the area beneath the tail, and even experienced keepers sometimes get it wrong with very young rabbits.
What you need to check a rabbit’s gender
Sexing a rabbit is easiest with a calm rabbit and a second person to help hold it, though you can do it alone with practice. The key is to keep the rabbit secure and relaxed so you can look closely without stressing it or getting scratched. Never turn a rabbit upside down roughly, as this can hurt it. Instead, support it well and work quickly and gently.
How to sex a rabbit step by step
Step 1: Restrain the rabbit gently
Sit down and hold the rabbit securely against your body, or have a helper hold it. You want the rabbit calm, with its underside accessible. One good method is to gently tilt the rabbit back so it is resting on its back or bottom, supported in your arm or lap, with its head higher than its rear.
Step 2: Find the area beneath the tail
Locate the genital opening, which sits just in front of the anus, below the tail. You will see two openings close together: the anus nearest the tail, and the genital opening just in front of it.
Step 3: Gently press to reveal the anatomy
Using your thumb and finger, apply very gentle pressure on either side of the genital opening to expose it. What you see tells you the sex.
Step 4: Identify male or female
A male rabbit will show a rounded, tubular shape that protrudes slightly, which is the penis. In older males you may also feel or see the testicles nearby. A female rabbit will show a slit like opening that runs in a line toward the anus, rather than a rounded tube. This slit versus tube difference is the clearest way to tell the two apart.
How to sex a baby rabbit
Sexing very young rabbits, called kits, is much harder because the anatomy is not fully developed. It is possible from a few weeks old with a careful eye, but even experts can be wrong at this age. If you need to be certain, it is best to wait until the rabbit is a few months old, when the differences become clearer and the male’s testicles begin to descend, usually around 10 to 12 weeks.
Telltale signs in older rabbits
As rabbits mature, sexing becomes easier. Adult males develop visible testicles on either side of the genital area, which are usually obvious once the rabbit is sexually mature. Adult females may develop a dewlap, a fold of skin under the chin, though some males have a small one too, so it is not a reliable sign on its own. The most reliable check at any age remains looking directly at the genital opening.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if a rabbit is male or female?
Gently examine the genital opening beneath the tail. A male shows a rounded, tubular shape, while a female shows a slit like opening running toward the anus.
At what age can you sex a rabbit?
You can attempt it from a few weeks old, but it is much more reliable from around 10 to 12 weeks, when a male’s testicles begin to descend and the differences become clearer.
Is it hard to tell a rabbit’s gender?
Yes, especially in young rabbits, because males and females look almost identical externally. The genital check is the only reliable method, and even experts can misjudge very young kits.
What is a male rabbit called? What is a female rabbit called?
A male rabbit is called a buck, and a female rabbit is called a doe.
Does a dewlap mean a rabbit is female?
Not reliably. Female rabbits often develop a dewlap, the fold of skin under the chin, but some males have a small one too, so it should not be used on its own to determine sex.
Final thoughts
Sexing a rabbit comes down to a careful, gentle look at the genital opening beneath the tail, remembering that a male shows a rounded tube and a female shows a slit. It gets much easier as the rabbit matures, so if you are unsure with a young kit, wait a few weeks and check again. If you keep both bucks and does, being certain of each rabbit’s sex is essential to avoid accidental litters.
If you breed rabbits, keeping accurate records of each rabbit’s sex, pairings and litters is vital. The Rabbit Breeding Calculator app lets you record every rabbit’s details and track your whole breeding program from your phone. You can try it free for seven days.