The Flemish Giant is the largest rabbit breed in
the United States. Other "cousins" are the German
Giant, and the continental. Neither are recognized
in the US under the American Rabbit Breeders Assn.
In
the 70s the German Giant was used by one breeder
to help add new blood and revive the quality of
the Flemish Giant in the US. Prior to that time
the rabbits were quite related. This was done on
a limited basis.
The
Sandy is the largest color of the Flemish Giant
breed.
The
female Flemish Giant is larger than the male,
and is also harder to train.
A
Flemish Giant rabbit has about the same lifespan
as a medium sized dog. About 8-10yrs, some more,
some less depending on their care and genetics.
The
Flemish Giant is the most expensive rabbit on
average per all the breeds recognized in the
ARBA. Many breeds will sell off their pets at
5-35.00 The show quality rabbits average 35 and
up. The Flemish on the other hand start at 50.00
and go up from there depending on age, size and
show record. By the time a Flemish reaches the
prime age for selling as a pet, they are 75.00
or more.
Older rabbits make better pets and train faster.
The best age to get your new bunny is 4-6 months
old. At this age they will establish habits
faster.
A
male makes a better pet then a female
Rabbits are not rodents. They chew a cud, and
need roughage to stay healthy.
Rabbits eat their young. Yes they do, especially
if they are needing in their diet. They can also
be very aggressive mothers. It is highly
discouraged to breed your rabbit if it is a pet.
Your children will learn little from seeing dead
or half eaten bunnies and the experience is one
you would have rather they missed.
MYTHS
It
is important to neuter your male rabbit for him
to be a good pet... faults... with rabbits it
makes no difference unless birth control is an
issue. You are not robbing another rabbit of a
home by not neutering your male. 1) you have to
have a female to make babies. The chances your
rabbit will get loose and find another domestic
rabbit to breed with thus causing the mass over
population issues found in dogs and cats is
highly unlikely and slightly ridiculous. 2) Your
neutered rabbit will not be happier, healthier
or live longer if you neuter him. He will on the
other hand be subject to surgery that is
dangerous for a rabbits nervous system. 3) Pet
shelters are not over loaded with "stray" and
unwanted rabbits.
Lets face it people.. unwanted rabbits are
called FOOD.. yes people eat them. The pet
market is not the only market for rabbits.
Unlike cats and dogs there will never be over
population issues due to this fact of life.
lettuce and other vegetables are good for
rabbits. FAULTS!
Lettuce is actually mostly water that will cause
diarrhea and eventually death in your rabbit.
Carrots, and other raw veggies are also high in
water content that again can make your rabbit
sick, or even die. Small amounts of low water
content vegetables are ok for treats, but by no
means a complete diet or supplement. In the wild
rabbits do not pull up carrots or other roots
from gardens and eat them. Its impossible. They
eat the green tops. Greens are good for rabbits,
but not all of their diet.
Rabbits are vegetarians. Faults.. many rabbits
eat some forms of meat. Not daily, but at times
their diet will call for more proteins or other
minerals found in meats.
