Rabbits are popular pets, especially with children. They are cute and like to be petted. It’s good to know, however, that there is a wide range of rabbit breeds. There are even giant breeds, which require slightly different care than dwarf breeds. We asked the breeder Nikola Čapková about how to take care of the giant breeds and what to keep in mind before getting a giant rabbit.
Which breeds fall into the giant category?
Among the most popular are the Belgian Giant, the French Ram, the German Checkered Giant, and the Moravian Blue. These rabbits weigh over 5 kg, so they are no dwarves.
Is the care of giant breeds any different? If so, how?
The care differs especially in the area of feeding. A giant rabbit needs a larger home, with some of the breeds having huge ears, which means that the height of the rabbit’s shelter will also be needed to be taken into account. When it comes to food, these rabbits eat a lot.
What does a giant rabbit need?
Giant rabbits need, above all, enough space. Putting them into a meter-by-meter cage is certainly not possible. Therefore, many people choose a rabbit hutch, but if the rabbit is a pet and not a breeding animal, a pen or paddock is worth considering. For lop-eared rabbits, I would focus on suitable bedding – some of them have long ears that can easily get dirty.
What should we prepare for before we get a giant rabbit?
Be sure to think about the financial and time aspects. Rabbits of giant breeds need enough bedding, feed, and we should also consider the time needed to clean their large pens. Next, we need to ask ourselves whether we can handle such a large animal, whether we have a place for it at home. If we answer these questions with a ‘Yes’, then all we need to do is to choose between a rabbit with lop ears or erect ears.
Do rabbits of the giant breeds require more time for physical activity?
The large breeds are rather calm in nature. For example, the rabbit hop discipline is out of the question with these breeds, since their bodies are too heavy and their bones and joints would suffer. Although they know how to have fun, they prefer toys or cuddling. Of course, they can be taught simple commands like spinning or standing on their hind legs. Rabbits are happy to do so in exchange for a good treat.
How different is the amount of feed that giant rabbits need?
From my own experience, it is about twice what small rabbits need (in my case, I am comparing a French Ram with a small Tan Rabbit). Of course, there is a big difference whether we feed with cheap fattening dry food or a quality brand. The feed ratio may vary slightly between different brands.
Are rabbits of giant breeds suitable for apartments?
Yes, definitely! People often get the larger breeds for their apartments. These pets are a little less demanding than a dog but similar in size. They are calmer in nature, so you don’t need to worry about chasing them all around the apartment. Another plus is their calm and even temperament, which makes them the ideal pets.
What should future owners prepare for them?
Above all, lots of love and a lot of hand for cuddling. Other than that, prepare enough space and a decent supply of feed, especially hay, which forms the dietary basis of all rabbits. They like grinding their teeth on it.
In this cycle, we’re going to have a look together on how cats and dogs are doing around the world. Where they are pampered and people forego them and where, to the contrary, the pets suffer and their situation is critical. Today, I will introduce you...
Especially outdoor cats are often suffering from ear mites. What is it actually, and how to get rid of it?
In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let’s take a look what they have already achieved during the time of our lives together. With his determination, Balto saved lives of many people...
Everyone likes to take their four-legged friend along with them on a holiday, but the situation just won’t allow it sometimes. Not all the dogs take well to long trips by car or high temperatures, or are A graders in obedience, some are habitual...
Already since about 100 thousand years ago, when people started with domestication, we have been aware of positive effects of living together with animals. And this doesn’t concern only healing methods. Already the very presence of our pets helps us to...
If you have a cat at home, you have certainly encountered the issue of who will take care of it at times. Especially now, at the time of holidays and departures for vacations. Relatives or friends are not always able to come over and to take the cat...
I have already written about dangerous foods for dogs. But how about cats?
All of us probably know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. However, did you know that you can poison your furry friend even with nuts, for example?
The time of kittens is getting closer. Outside, however, the kittens may lose their mum from various reasons. Besides, people will start getting rid of unwanted family arrivals. So it can easily happen to you, that you will find little cat new-borns....
Do you know, that you can insure your pet? But does it even pay off, what does the insurance cover and what are the conditions?
You may have already met a dog with a tied yellow ribbon on its collar or on its leash in the street. Did you know, that it is not a fashion accessory, but a message for the passers-by?
Rabbit hopping is a relatively young discipline that is quickly gaining new fans. After all, rabbits are virtually born for jumping, so why not use it for both their and their master’s entertainment.
