How Early Can You Neuter?

[ZoeHale]

I desperately want a boy, guys. Maybe 2. I can't drive all the way to OKC right now to adopt the speutered pair from the rescue. The powers-that-be said I can't take in those two boys off CL. I feel so sorry for them! But the powers did say that I might be able to get baby boys. And I was just wondering how early you can get them neutered, what the recommended age is, etc.


Thanks in advance!

 

[mamarat]

My vet has neutered as young as 6 weeks but some vets like to wait till they're 3-4 months old.

 

[Pink]

I had two boys neutered at 7 weeks, but personally I prefer to wait until 8. I find they bounce right back at that age as if the surgery never happened. I find my older boys tend to have longer recovery times, but with such a small sample size that could be completely by chance.

Pink

 

[SQ]

It depends on your vet.
If your vet is not a trained exotic vet experienced at neutering rats, then the vet will likely want to wait until the boys are 3 to 4 months old.

 

[Rachael]

When is too old?

 

[Pink]

Depends on the health of the rat. A healthy rat can have surgery far into life (I've done tumor removals at about 3 years old). But, any surgery is risk, and age can bring more complications. If the lungs are scared from a lifetime of little tiny URIs you may never notice, than the rat could have troubles with surgery. My oldest neuter was 18 months, and Harvey is still doing great.

eta - I have an amazing vet that I trust completely. I would not neuter as old with a less experienced vet.

Pink

 

I had 2 boys neutered at 7 months and they did fine. I'm not sure how young is to young tho, I would say 3 months is a good age, If I were guessing.
But it all depends on thier health as well & how good of a vet you have.

 

[xxchelle]

I've had rats neutered at 8 weeks old with no issues, but that was with a very VERY knowledgeable rat vet. I usually tend to wait until they're around 12 weeks.

 

[Rachael]

I've never had a situation that I've had to neuter that young. I think about 4 months - 6 months but as I said, never had to do any younger than that.

 

[Sorraia]

My vet will neuter at 8 weeks.