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Are Flemish Giant Rabbits Hypoallergenic?

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You probably imagine a fluffy little bunny when you think about a pet rabbit. But have you ever considered one that is as big as the size of a medium-sized dog? If yes, then the Flemish bunnies are an excellent choice.

Suppose you are considering adopting a Flemish Giant bunny. In that case, you probably want to know about its diet, whether it sheds its fur, its expected lifespan, how much space it needs to live comfortably, and whether it is hypoallergenic, among other things. This article will take you through everything you need to know about the Flemish Giant rabbit to decide whether it is the right pet for you.

About Flemish Giant Rabbits

Flemish Giant rabbits originate from Flanders. They are the largest of all domesticated bunnies. One flemish giant rabbit weighs an average of 15 pounds. Their size is one of the most attractive features to potential owners and their docile temperament.

Owning a female Flemish Giant rabbit can be a wonderful experience. These gentle giants are generally a docile breed that makes good companions and loving family pets. They are known for being sweet and gentle, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent, active, and curious pets that are tons of fun to hang around with.

Historically, these rabbits were bred for meat and fur. Today, they are kept as pets or as show animals as well. Flemish Giant rabbits have many nicknames. For instance, they are known as the “Gentle Giants” for their uniquely docile personality and the “Universal Rabbits” for their varied uses as pets, breeding, show, meat, and fur animals.

Characteristics of Giant Flemish Rabbits

Size

As their name suggests, the Flemish Giant is truly a large rabbit breed. The average flemish giant weighs about 6.8 kilograms (15 lb), although some can grow as big as 10 kilograms (22 lb). The longest flemish giant rabbit on record measured about 1.3 meters (4 ft 3 in) long.

Colors

Flemish Giants have one the largest variety of fur colors among rabbits. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes seven different colors for this breed:

  • White: Pure white coat with pink eyes
  • Black: Coat should be solid black with brown eyes
  • Blue: The coat comes in a dark blue color. Their eyes tend to be bluish-gray
  • Sandy: Reddish sandy coat with dark tickings and brown eyes
  • Fawn: Light gold coat with an undercarriage that is white and brown eyes
  • Steel gray: These bunnies have charcoal gray-colored fur with brown eyes.
  • Light gray: The coat is light gray with black ticking and brown eyes

Temperament and Personality

Flemish giant rabbits are not known as gentle giants for no reason. They have a docile nature and are tolerant of handling, making them great pet animals. They enjoy being around humans and will sit on your lap and socialize with you. However, frequent interactions with humans is necessary for this to be possible.

Like all rabbits, the Flemish Giant can become fearful and sometimes aggressive, primarily if handled incorrectly or irresponsibly. If they feel threatened, they can get aggressive, scratch, and bite. For this reason, children should be taught to treat them right.

Unlike other rabbit breeds, the Flemish Giant interacts well with other animals in the house. This breed of rabbit is intelligent so training them to obey commands as well as potty training is slightly easier than most rabbits.

Appearance

While it is quite obvious that their majestic size is their most striking feature, this is not the only characteristic that appeals to giant bunny owners. The Flemish Giant has a semi-arched or mandolin body shape which gives it a graceful appearance.

This rabbit has a long and powerful body with relatively broad hind legs. Its well-defined back arch starts behind the shoulders all the way to the tail’s base, giving it a “mandolin shape.” The hip is the highest point of the bunny’s body arch, giving it a graceful appearance. They also have long bodies – about 20 inches long – with solid and well-built muscles. Their ears are erect, thick, and around 5 inches in height.

Bucks – male flemish giant rabbits – have a broader head compared to does – female flemish giant rabbits. Does have a large, full fold on their neck called a dewlap. This fold can take up to a year to reach full maturity.

Coat

The Flemish Giant is a short hair breed. It has glossy fur that is short and dense. When stroked forward – from the hind legs to the head, the fur automatically rolls back to its original position, which is why it is also called the rollback fur. This fur requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing with a slicker brush is sufficient to keep their fur looking soft and lustrous.

Note, however, they tend to shed more during springtime. So during this period, you need to increase the grooming to help them get rid of the excess fur. Otherwise, they risk ingesting more of it, which can lead to serious health problems. Also, make sure to trim the tips of the nails occasionally unless your bunny gets enough exercise to wear them down naturally.

Are Flemish Giant Rabbits Hypoallergenic?

Although there are no hypoallergenic rabbits, some are apparently easier for allergy sufferers than others. The Flemish Giant, for instance, shed its fur. However, it produces very little dander compared to other domesticated pets. Since dander is what flares up allergies, this makes the Flemish Giant rabbits incredibly hypoallergenic.

How to Feed Flemish Giant Rabbits?

Other than their key features, potential owners should factor in the amount of food these bunnies consume and how much waste they produce before buying. Flemish giant rabbits are fed like other rabbits, only that the amount of food increases to match their larger size. The ARBA recommends feeding premium quality hay, water, fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats.

Hay makes up about 70 percent of their diet and should be given in unlimited amounts together with clean water. They should also receive fresh fruits and leafy vegetables, including celery, green or red lettuce, watercress, pear, peach, celery, and mango. These bunnies also enjoy snacking on pellets.

Just remember that fruits and vegetables should never be substitutes for quality hay. They are to be given in limited amounts since too much can cause digestive upset. Also, remember to remove seeds from fruits as they can cause intestinal blockage or even poisoning.

Common Health Problems

Flemish Giants are generally hardy pets. They are susceptible to any health complications or hereditary diseases. However, they may suffer a few health concerns:

Sore Hocks

According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, larger rabbit breeds are more prone to sore hocks than smaller rabbits due to their weight. Sore hock is a condition caused by standing on wire floors or in unsanitary conditions.

Overgrown Teeth

Overgrown teeth are a common health issue with Flemish Giants. Unlike most animals, rabbit teeth keep growing throughout their life. To avoid this issue, feed your bunny high fiber pellets or hay. These foods help wear down the teeth from chewing on the roughage.

If your rabbit’s teeth seem to keep growing without wearing down, provide them with wicker mats or rabbit-safe wood blocks. These items provide an excellent way to keep your bunnies happy while wearing down those teeth.

Mites

Make sure to check rabbit years regularly for ear mites and fur mites, which are especially common with outdoor bunnies. As a preventative measure, make sure to deworm your bunnies at least two times a year.

Heat

Flemish Giants are sensitive to heat. They do not do well in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your giant friend in an air-conditioned room is highly recommended. You can also use a fan or frozen water bottle to cool your bunny.

Obesity

Obesity due to overfeeding is a great health concern for this rabbit breed. An overweight bunny can have additional health issues. So avoid giving your pet too many extra treats. The House Rabbit Society suggests giving them two cups of chopped greens per 2.7 kilograms (6.0 lb) of body weight daily. A high protein diet of 16% enables the rabbit to gain bone mass while it is growing and later gain muscle mass.

Other common health issues include GI stasis, sniffles, or infectious diseases. Contact your veterinarian for further examination if your bunny starts getting constipation, eye discharge, or any unusual behavior.

Breeding

According to ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association), the breeding of female rabbits should start only after they hit senior weight range, which is about 14 lb (6.4 kilograms). The Flemish giant can take up to 18 months to reach its maximum weight and maturity. Breeders are advised to wait until the rabbit is slightly over a year old before breeding.

Litter Training

Although a large breed, Flemish Giants are keen when it comes to cleanliness. They can easily be taught to use a litter box when raised as pet rabbits. When domesticated.

The Correct Way to Hold a Flemish Giant

The Flemish Giant is a big rabbit. So, they need a lot of support if you are going to pick them up. Also, like other rabbits, the Flemish Giant can get fearful when picked up. Since they are prey animals, naturally, being picked up may feel like predators are attacking them. That being said, you need to pick up your rabbits regularly to create a bond.

Their large body frame requires owners to pay special attention to their spine when handling. When picking them up, make sure they are comfortable and not trying to get away from you. A squirming bunny can easily become aggressive, causing both you and itself harm.

Support their upper body by placing one arm under their chest and front legs. Wrap the other arm around the bunny’s lower half, making sure to support their hind legs. Hold the bunny rabbit to your chest gently and securely. Do not squeeze them as this may cause them to panic and panic and struggle.

If the bunny seems nervous at all, reassure it in a soft, calm voice. If this doesn’t help it settle in your arms, gently lower it to the ground or release it into its cage. Remember that all rabbits have a fragile spine that can easily break if mishandled. So always be extra careful when carrying your giant rabbit friend.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Bathing is not necessary as these giants love to self-groom. Another reason to avoid bathing is that it causes extreme stress, which can lead to harmful behavior. If its coat is dirty, use a clean, wet cloth to remove the grime. Nail trimming for Flemish Giants must be done at least once a month. If you cannot do it yourself, find a vet to do it every time you visit for your bunny’s checkups.

Shelter

Due to their large size, the Flemish Giants need spacious living quarters to allow ample opportunity for physical movement.

Size

The House Rabbit Society proposes keeping these rabbits in a large pen or room in the house. Large dog crates are more appropriate for this breed than traditional rabbit hutches that tend to be too small for these gentle giants. As a rule of thumb, the minimum cage size for a Flemish Giant should be 24″ high, 30″ deep, and 48″ wide. Regardless of how spacious and comfortable their enclosure area is, the Flemish Giant rabbit needs to spend plenty of time outside of it. Keeping a bunny full-time in a cage is cruel, especially for such a large breed as this one.

Floor

Cages with poorly sized wire gauge bottoms may harm your bunny’s feet due to their weight. Instead, a resting board is highly recommended to prevent painful hocks.

Indoors or Outdoors

The Flemish Giant rabbit breed can live both indoors and outdoors, depending on the owners’ preference. Those living outdoors require a hutch. However, the hutch should not have any stairs or ramps leading to another level due to its size. The hutch should be large enough for your rabbit to stretch out and hop while inside, whether indoors or outdoors.

Cleanliness

Its bedding area needs to be spot cleaned daily and completely replaced at the end of every week to avert health issues.

Bunny-proof Your Home

In case the rabbit lives in an apartment, make sure to bunny proof the house before letting it out of its cage. Remember that all bunnies are huge chewers; this is even more true for the Flemish Giants, whose shear strength makes it possible to create more damage. So you must rabbit-proof your home if you want your bunnies to play safe and avoid any destruction to your belongings.

If you are letting your bunnies play in the garden, ensure the property is securely fenced. Also, make sure to supervise them. make sure to securely fence the area and always supervise them.

How Long Do Flemish Giant Rabbits Live?

Giant rabbit breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan when compared to normal-sized breeds. For example, Flemish Giants have an average lifespan of between 4 to 6 years. That said, there are Flemish Giants who can live into their teens.

Where Can You Get These Gentle Giants?

If you are interested in parenting one or a pair, one great place to get Flemish giant rabbits is on The National Federation for Flemish Giant rabbit Breeders Website. They share information and resources on certified breeders with visitors. You can also get this bunny from shelter or rescue homes, pet ads, or farms near you.

Final Thoughts

The Flemish Giant rabbit is one of the best rabbit breeds to keep as a pet, even if you suffer from allergies. Although not completely hypoallergenic, by keeping its house clean and investing in an air purifier, you can definitely keep it as a per. . Their distinct coat, large size, and docile nature make them a favorite breed among rabbit lovers.

FAQs

Are Giant Flemish Rabbits Good Pets for Kids?

The Flemish giant earned his nickname, the Gentle Giant, for being a docile and affectionate rabbit. Their love is just as big as their size. They love to play and stay close to their caregivers. They thrive in receiving love and attention. These features make them a great pet for kids if treated with care and kindness. Although these bunnies are incredibly docile, they can bite if not handled properly.

Do Flemish Giants Smell Bad?

No. These rabbits do not have any foul odor to them. Flemish Giants are naturally clean animals. They like to keep themselves clean, which is why spend a large time just grooming.

How Much Do Flemish Giants Cost?

On average, Flemish Giant rabbits cost approximately $50 depending on breed quality. Pedigree Flemish Giants that are of breeding quality cost anywhere between $50 to $100. Note, however, that the prices may vary based on reputation, rabbit quality, breeding potential, and competitive cost.

Do Flemish Giants Get Along With Cats and Dogs?

The Flemish Giant is one of the few rabbit breeds that get along well with other pets. However, early socialization of the two is extremely necessary to make things work. This is because an unsocialized Flemish Giant will be too frightened to go near a cat or a dog. On the other hand, some cats and dogs have a high prey drive. Therefore, they need to be trained that the Flemish giant is a friend and not prey.

Related Article:

References:

https://www.ukpets.com/blog/flemish-giant-rabbit-breed-information/

https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/flemish-giant-rabbit/

https://www.rabbitcaretips.com/flemish-giant-rabbits-as-pets/

https://small-pets.lovetoknow.com/rabbits/flemish-giant-rabbit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flemish_Giant_rabbit

https://bunnyislove.com/beginners-guide-to-flemish-giant-rabbits/

https://homeandroost.co.uk/blog/flemish-giant-rabbits/

https://petkeen.com/flemish-giant-rabbits-for-sale-breeders-in-usa/

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