Data sheet giant rabbit
Scientific name:
Lepus curpaeums
Origin:
from near Ghent in Flanders, Belgium
Size:
up to 72 centimeters
Weight:
7 to 12 kilograms
age expectation:
5 – 8 years
attitude and behavior
Group vs. individual housing:
group husbandry
Lining:
vegetarian food
Difficulty level:
Mittel Lithonius at English Wikipedia, Female Flemish giant rabbit, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons
key data
The term giant rabbits includes a group of three extraordinarily large rabbits.
In Germany, the German giant, the German giant pinto, and the German ram belong in this group. The giant rabbits are known as gentle giants. Her character can be described as calm, gentle and friendly.
The largest and heaviest pet rabbit is good for beginners rabbit owners. This is not the only reason why the large long-eared bats are so popular. They are trusting and uncomplicated in keeping. Nevertheless, due to their considerable size, they place high demands on the space required.
The German giant is the largest rabbit, measuring up to 72 centimeters. The large ears are almost 17 centimeters long. The fur varies in color and is short and dense. The giant rabbit originally comes from Flanders. In 1880 the first rabbits were sold to Germany. In 1893 the first giant rabbit was presented at an exhibition in Chemnitz. The extraordinary animals were recorded as Flemish or Belgian giants up until 1948. Breeding attaches great importance to a high weight.
The German giant pinto is a breed in its own right. The white coat with distinctive markings in black, blue or havana is typical. With its size of up to 68 centimeters, it is slightly smaller than the German giant. Its ears are about 16 centimeters long. German rams are giant rabbits with floppy ears. They are very popular due to their cute appearance. However, the drooping ears have disadvantages for the cute animals: on the one hand, they hear less well and on the other hand they are susceptible to ear infections.
Despite the close resemblance, giant rabbits are not hares. Although they belong to the rabbit family (Leporidae), they are not real rabbits. They belong to the hare-like family (Lagomorpha). Like all other rabbit breeds, the giant rabbit descends from the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In contrast to rabbits, hares are slim and have a strong body. The rabbit ears are significantly longer. In addition, giant rabbits are the only breed that, at around ten kilograms, are heavier than a wild rabbit at around six kilograms. The way of life also distinguishes the two animal species. Rabbits are solitary creatures that live on the surface of the earth. Rabbits are not loners. For this reason, pets must be kept in pairs at least.
acquisition and maintenance
Before you buy, you should find out exactly where the new family members come from. Dubious breeders usually only want to make money with the sale. The health of the animals suffers as a result, which can result in high veterinary costs. Buying from a pet store is also not recommended. Under certain circumstances, the right giant rabbit can be found in the animal shelter or in a nursing station.
In addition, private donations can lead to the new family members. The best way to find a healthy and hardy giant rabbit is through a reputable breeder. Good rabbit breeding can be recognized by the right attitude, diet and care. Young animals should be at least ten, preferably twelve weeks old when they are handed over.
Lucile Petit, Lapin geant des flandres 2, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons
You have to reckon with these costs
- Purchase price: 100 to 200 euros per animal (vaccinated, microchipped and neutered)
- Enclosures: indoor enclosures up to 150 euros; Outdoor enclosure up to 600 euros
- Accessories: about 100 euros
- Annual vaccination costs: 40 to 60 euros
- Veterinary costs in case of illness: variable
The initial cost of two giant rabbits is just the start of running costs. Unneutered animals cost less. But then you have to reckon with your own costs of 60 to 80 euros for the necessary vaccinations, chipping and castration. The vaccination should be repeated annually. When the giant rabbit falls ill, vet bills can quickly run into four figures. To prevent this, there are special health insurance policies or you put a certain cushion aside for illnesses yourself.
A PVC covering is recommended as a floor for a large-scale indoor enclosure. The absolutely necessary outdoor enclosure must be marten-proof.
Recommended accessories:
- Large cottages with two entrances
- A dig box
- shelf boards
- food and water bowls
- fight
- employment accessories
In addition, the running costs per month must not be forgotten. The bedding costs around 20 euros a month. Around one to two euros per day are set aside for the feed. If grass and herbs are picked in summer and bought seasonally in winter, the costs are kept within limits.
Giant rabbits are easy to care for and easy to get along with. But one must not forget that they are not stuffed animals. Because of their size, they need a lot of space to keep them appropriate to their species. That’s why you should think carefully about whether you can meet the requirements. The big hoppers need a lot more space and exercise than a dwarf rabbit. Consequently, this means higher maintenance costs. A giant rabbit will never be happy in a cage.
In addition to the spacious enclosure, there is a regular need for exercise; ideally in your own garden. Before purchasing, it should be borne in mind that giant rabbits can live up to eight years. The attitude causes inconveniences in the form of dirt, which has to be removed regularly. This must be taken into account before purchasing. If all family members living in the household agree to the purchase of at least two giant rabbits and there are no allergies to hay, straw or the rabbit itself, nothing stands in the way of living together.
requirement for posture
The company of one or more conspecifics is important for the long-eared bat to really feel at home. Giant rabbits are very social creatures: almost half of their behavior is social interaction, which is only possible with one of their own kind. Siblings are usually easy to keep together because they’ve known each other since birth. As a rule, the keeping of a female with a castrated buck runs harmoniously. Two castrated bucks get along well, keeping two females is not recommended.
Giant rabbits have fluffy, short fur that requires little maintenance. When changing the fur, you can help the big hoppers by brushing them regularly. Unfortunately, jumbo rabbits are susceptible to mites and ticks when kept outside, so their ears and fur should be checked regularly.
Keeping giant rabbits is uncomplicated. But you need a lot of space; pure housing is only possible to a limited extent. However, this should always be cage-free. Those who cannot give their animals enough exercise should refrain from purchasing. If kept indoors, all rooms to which the animals have access must be made rabbit-proof. Exposed cables and flowerpots on the ground must not be accessible, otherwise they will be nibbled on. Some animals can be housetrained.
The big long-eared bats not only want to run, hop, play and cuddle freely in their enclosure. Especially in the apartment, exercise offers a change for body and mind. The indoor enclosure can be a generously partitioned area or an entire room. The guideline for giant rabbits is: An animal needs around three square meters of space to ensure sufficient movement and thus species-appropriate husbandry.
With two giant rabbits, there must be an area of at least six square meters. Rabbit cages offered by specialist retailers cannot meet this need. Basically, the more space available, the better it is for the well-being of the animals. As interactive animals, giant rabbits are also active at night. They also need a lot of space to hop at night and must not be locked in the cage or stall.
The year-round keeping in the outdoor enclosure is possible. For this, the shelter must be well insulated against the cold. Here, too, six square meters should be the minimum for two giant rabbits. Before the big Hoppler move in, the barn must be protected from wind and weather. In the warm season, sufficient shade must be available. Giant rabbits love to dig. The digging box must not be missing in the indoor keeping. When keeping them outside, it is important to remember that the long-eared bats cannot dig themselves free. The floor of the enclosure should be secured with a wire embedded in the floor.
Giant rabbits like to have an overview. Therefore, the enclosure should have several floors. A second level or a house with a flat roof is ideal. They can retreat into it if necessary and then observe their surroundings on the roof. It should have two entrances to allow an escape route. In addition, the long-eared ones want to be kept busy. They look forward to a change. Hidden food, twigs from fruit trees to nibble on and an obstacle course offer exciting activities.
gender differences
Determining the sex is important for an uncomplicated attitude. In the so-called C-handle, the gender can be easily recognized by knowledgeable people. With gentle pressure over the genital opening, the slit-like genitals become visible in the female. In the case of bucks, the same procedure reveals the penis.
feed and nutrition
Giant rabbits mainly eat fresh green plants, roots and buds. Green fodder forms the basis of a species-appropriate diet. In addition, high-quality hay must be available at all times. Root and tuber vegetables as well as fruit may also be fed occasionally.
acclimatization and handling
A good age for moving to a new home is just under twelve weeks. The young giant rabbit is completely detached from its mother and siblings and is ready to discover new worlds. A transport box or crate is recommended for transport to the new home. This should be placed in the enclosure and opened upon arrival. This allows the excited animal to explore the unfamiliar surroundings at its own pace. It should be left alone as much as possible to allow it to acclimate. So that it…