History of the Flemish Giant
The Flemish Giant is an old breed of domesticated rabbits, originating from the Flemish region. They have been bred as early as the 16th century around the city of Ghent, Belgium. It is believed to have descended from a number of meat and fur breeds, possibly including the Steenkonijn (Stone Rabbit – referring to the old Belgian weight size of one ‘stone’ or 3.5 kg) and the European “patagonian” breed (now extinct). This ‘Patagonian’ rabbit was a large landrace breed that was once bred in Belgium and France. The Patagonian breed was not related to the Patagonian rabbit of Argentina (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) a separate wild species which weighs less than two pounds (about 1 kg), nor the Patagonian hare (Dolichotis patagonum), which is a variety of rodent (classified as a Cavy) and thus cannot interbreed with domesticated rabbits. Thomas Coatoam in his “Origins of the Flemish Giants” tells us “The earliest authentic record of the Flemish Giant Rabbit occurred about the year 1860. At that time, in England, stories were being circulated by travelers having recently returned from Flanders, of the enormous size of the rabbits raised in that country and in parts of France.
Appearance
There are 7 recognized colors: blue, black, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel and white. We currently deal with black, steel, and light gray.Breeding season is in the winter months. Flemish Giants do not handle heat well and therefore, pregnant rabbits do not do well during Nevada's summer heat. Babies are ready for new homes at 8 weeks or older. Flemish Giants are laid-back, docile and tolerant by nature. Because of this they do well with considerable handling, and are ideal for showing and as pets.
Caring for a Gentle Giant
Because of their large size, Flemish Giants require a larger hutch than other rabbits. They also require more food. On average a Flemish Giant Rabbit will weigh 10-20 pounds or more when mature. Because of their large size they are not bothered by cats, birds or other small mammal prey. Their short hair requires minimal grooming. Flemish Giants do not handle heat well. They would need shade and a way to cool down. We keep our rabbits in a climate controlled environment with air conditioning in the Summer. Depending on where you live, the same type of conditions may be a requirement of owning a Flemish Giant Rabbit. They love cantaloupe, strawberries, collard greens, parsley, cilantro, (of course) carrots, apples, pears, and they need lots of hay at all times. They also need a good pellet food for their main staple, but the addition of fruits and vegetables (a small amount each day). This ensures they are getting all their vitamins. Whole grain bread, oats (oatmeal) and barley are also a good additive. Flemish Giants are large rabbits that eat a lot. It is extremely important to have a good quality pellet food and plenty of hay daily. If you add a vegetable one day, and the bunny gets diarrhea, STOP IT IMMEDIATELY. It is critical when a bunny gets diarrhea because they will dehydrate quickly. Make sure they have plenty of clean water available at all times.
Uses of the Breed
Apart from being kept as a pet, the Flemish Giant is used for meat, fur, show, pet assisted therapy and education.
4-H and Show
Flemish Giants, due to their uncomplicated grooming requirements and docile personalities, are used by 4-H programs throughout the United States as a starter rabbit for teaching children responsibility and care of farm animals and pets. Another very popular youth program outside of 4-H that promotes responsible show breeding is the National Federation of Flemish Giant Breeders Youth Program. Flemish Giants are the second oldest domesticated rabbit breed in the United States, following behind the now rare Belgian Hare.
Raising for pets, profit, substance
Flemish Giants are not typically regarded as "meat" rabbits because much of the commercial rabbit market focuses on young rabbits, usually around 70 days of age. At this time, Flemish Giants are developing bone mass rather than muscle. However, when raised to roasting (under 6 months) and stewing (over 6 months) age, the size of the Flemish makes them desirable. They are also often bred with other meat rabbit breeds, such as the New Zealand, to increase both meat-to-bone ratio and litter size.
4-H and Show
Flemish Giants, due to their uncomplicated grooming requirements and docile personalities, are used by 4-H programs throughout the United States as a starter rabbit for teaching children responsibility and care of farm animals and pets. Another very popular youth program outside of 4-H that promotes responsible show breeding is the National Federation of Flemish Giant Breeders Youth Program. Flemish Giants are the second oldest domesticated rabbit breed in the United States, following behind the now rare Belgian Hare.
Raising for pets, profit, substance
Flemish Giants are not typically regarded as "meat" rabbits because much of the commercial rabbit market focuses on young rabbits, usually around 70 days of age. At this time, Flemish Giants are developing bone mass rather than muscle. However, when raised to roasting (under 6 months) and stewing (over 6 months) age, the size of the Flemish makes them desirable. They are also often bred with other meat rabbit breeds, such as the New Zealand, to increase both meat-to-bone ratio and litter size.