Pet Habitat South Africa

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17 May 2014

Caring For Large Rabbit Breeds

Posted By : Guest

Imagine paws as big as your own hands, ears as long as your arms and teeth as strong as any dog – all covered in colourful fluff and twitchy whiskers! Whether it’s a French or English lop, a Continental or Flemish giant or a giant Papillion, rabbits can really grow to an impressive stature and weigh more than five kilograms.

Giant rabbits can be good natured, affectionate and make really great pets provided they are fed and cared for properly. You need to ensure you can really give a giant rabbit the attention, love, home and vast amounts of food it needs before welcoming one into your extended family.

Here are our top tips for looking after giant rabbits:

1. Accommodation

Big rabbits mean even bigger homes – think about the bunny version of a castle! A cosy hutch used for smaller rabbit breeds would be like trying to cram an elephant into a Mini! A rabbit-proofed room in a house with a customised dog basket to sleep in or a small shed would be ideal. Or why not try converting an aviary into a hutch instead? Rabbits need to be stimulated so a customised aviary or shed with tunnels, toys and shelves will keep them happy.

Rabbits also love to run about and therefore need a run attached to their shed to be fit and active. Don’t forget to secure your garden with fencing to ensure rabbits are unable to escape and are protected from potential predators and poisonous plants.

2. Health and diet

You should never mistake a large rabbit for an overweight one. Giant rabbits enjoy the same diet as smaller ones but benefit from vitamin supplements to ward off joint problems. You should aim to feed your rabbit a pile of Timothy hay at least as big as they are every day as the chewing action helps maintain healthy teeth. Your rabbit’s water should always be refreshed twice a day and more frequently in hot weather.

Burgess Excel Tasty Nuggets should also be combined with fresh vegetables such as carrot ends and cabbage leaves to keep their meals varied and interesting.

Owners need to ensure they keep an eye on their mobility as larger bunnies tend to suffer with joint problems as well as issues with their teeth and eyes as they get older.

Due to their size and weight, giant rabbits are also prone to suffering from sore hocks but thick, soft bedding will help alleviate the problem.

3. Character

Just like smaller bunnies, the larger breeds love the companionship of other rabbits and can also live well with a smaller rabbit.

The majority of rabbits don’t like being handled and giant breeds are no different. However their size can make it even more difficult to clip their claws or clean their eyes. You should always try to handle your pet while sitting on the floor to prevent them falling or jumping from your arms and their spine should be supported at all times. Beware – frightened rabbits can inflict nasty scratches or a powerful kick.

Giant rabbits also need a lot of exercise too so they don’t get bored or irritable.

4. Grooming

Big rabbits mean even bigger fur balls! Big bunnies, particularly older ones can find it hard to groom themselves and keep their bottoms clean as they don’t have the limbs of smaller breeds. Grooming problems can also become worse if they are overweight so it’s important to keep an eye on their diet and exercise.

Grooming is essential for shorter-furred breeds and brushing your pet every day can help your rabbit become accustomed to be being handled and to trust you.

Long-tailed varieties such as Frenchies can often find it difficult to keep their tails clean so you may need to brush them more regularly.