Because of their size, Flemish Giants require a little extra consideration and care than their smaller
"cousins". They need a larger cage than the average rabbit. To give them the space to grow and be comfortable,
the cage should be a minimum of 24" high, 36" deep and 48" wide. (Bigger is better!) A larger door is needed
on the cage to make sure the rabbit can easily be removed. We recommend a 20" tall x 16" wide doorway.
All rabbits need to be protected from direct sun, wind, rain and extreme temperatures. Most rabbits
and especially the Flemish Giant do very well outdoors. The Flemish can handle cold temperatures but don't like
the heat. Temperatures above 90*F. can be difficult on them. Direct sun can damage their fur. In very warm
weather, we fill 2-liter soda bottles with water, freeze them and lay them in the cages. The rabbits will lay against
them and even over them to cool themselves.
There is a lot of discussion about what kind of floor the Flemish Giant needs in the cage. Most rabbits are
comfortable on wire floors, that allow droppings to fall through. Because of their size and weight, the Flemish can
develop sores on their hocks (back feet). Some breeders keep their Giants on solid wood floors with bedding like
straw or shavings. This bedding has to be changed often (at least every 3 days) to prevent disease and eliminate
any build up of waste and odor. We use a wire cage floor with 3/4 covered in plywood (or 1/2" thick white
sheetrock/wallboard) that can be lifted out, cleaned or replaced. This gives them the opportunity to sit on solid
floor or wire. And we provide a thick layer of straw bedding. WIth the back 12" open wire, all the liquid
waste and most of the droppings fall through to the ground or trays below. Most rabbits are very clean and use the same
corner to eliminate. They can even be taught to use a litter pan like a cat. We recommend All Natural Kitty Litters,
especially litter made from recycled newspaper (no cedar, clay or perfumes). Flemish Giants make wonderful House
bunnies, if you can provide the extra space and regular exercise that they need.
A well balanced, pelletized rabbit food is best for overall growth and development. The feed should
have a minimum protein content of 15-17% (check the label). The Flemish do better on a 17% protein diet due to
their rapid growth and large size. All rabbits need daily portions of fresh clean hay (alfalfa or timothy, depending
on your bunnies age, condition and adult size). Treats could be pieces of apple, carrot, orange, beet or raddish tops,
endive, parsley, collard greens or clover and dandelion leaves (from an organic lawn). Don't over do the
treats. Obesity will severely shorten your rabbits lifespan. Lettuce is not a good food or treat and
should never be fed to your rabbit. It can cause loose stools and severe digestive problems and has no nutritional
value. And don't hesitate to consult your animals health care professional if you have any doubt's or questions.
Just like cats, rabbits groom themselves and keep their fur clean. Fresh Papaya or Pineapple are excellent
natural remedies to prevent hairballs caused by self-grooming. You can also use Papaya Tablets (available
at Health Food stores and Vitamin shops) once a day in their food. The more you pet and handle your
rabbit, the friendlier they'll be. We always talk to, pet and handle them twice a day, when we feed and water.
Handling your rabbit will give you the first indications that anything is wrong. Check teeth, feet, nails,
vent, and ears for anything unusual. Look for signs of overgrown or broken teeth, overgrown or broken nails, infections,
dirty ears, etc. Most problems are easily fixed when caught early.
Rabbits will not tell you when something is wrong. You have to get to know your bunny so you can
see when something is a little "off", and take care of it, before it becomes an emergency.
Some of our rabbits enjoy walking on a leash. We use a small dog harness and leash set (don't
use a collar, they can break their neck!). They don't exactly walk like a dog... they hop, you follow. Please
be careful to only let them play on a lawn that has no pesticides or fertilizers. Both can be dangerous to their health.
