Why Flemish?
- Flemish grow large sometimes upwards to 20 lbs. Animals know their size and because this breed is larger they tend to be easier to socialize because they are less timid (meaning they don't shy away from humans and other animals because they aren't easily intimidated).
- They are versatile: they make great pets, a favorite with kids, also have amazing fur quality, and produce good meat.
- Overall looks; they come in a variety of colors. Grey, Silver, Black, White, Blue, Sandy, Fawn, and Harlequin (pet or meat quality only).
Keeping Flemish Giants:
- Keeping Flemish as pets: Flemish giants are a large breed, they need space and preferably time in a large play pen where they can run and get exercise. I have several pens I put out on my lawn on nice days to let them stretch their long legs. They require grain (we use Agway %16 protein), Timothy hay, fresh water, and fresh veggies (as treats, NO LETTUCE). Flemish can live from 5- 12 years so be committed if you want to have one as a pet. They do get along well with cats and dogs at least at my house, also they are easy to liter box train (rabbits are not incontinent as some believe). If you are away a lot of the day consider getting two rabbits to keep each other company, rabbits bond early and should be purchased together and then fixed to prevent fighting and unwanted pregnancy later on.
- Raising Meat Rabbits: Raising rabbits for meat is a great way to produce your own local food. Flemish Crosses are great for meat production, The New Zealand, Califorian, and American Chinchilla breeds are all ideal for crossing into your meat breeding program as they have been bred for this purpose. If you want to know more about sustainable living by means of rabbit production I suggest checking out this article: http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/breeding-rabbits-zmaz70mazglo.aspx .
- More questions and concerns about raising rabbits for homesteading can be answered here! http://riseandshinerabbitry.com/2012/08/11/rabbits-unwilling-to-breed-causes-and-cures/
- Everything you could possibly need to know about Rabbit care/meat breeding rabbits: http://www.azrabbits.com/
Helpful tips for New Rabbit owners:
- Rabbits are ground animals so naturally they will feel most comfortable when situated on the ground unlike a cat for example, but if socialized when young will become quite used to being held and carried.
- Rabbits have sharp nails keep this in mind when handling.
- Rabbits, especially the Flemish Giants need large areas to relax and play: we recommend large or extra large black dog crates, these are useful in two ways they have the necessary room for the Flemish to fully stretch out when laying down and enough head room for them to stand up (accommodates for their tall ears!).
- Rabbits have sensitive stomachs so pellets and hay are a must to keep them regular, feed veggies like broccoli only sparingly because this can give them gas which they can die from, as well as veggies like lettuce which can cause diarrhea and death. Many pet rabbits die young as a result of a mismanaged diet.
- We strongly encourage the use of large play pens for exorcize and the use of toys, if you follow this link http://www.creativebirdtoys.com/smallcritterandrabbitenrichmenttoys/ you will be directed towards toys for rabbits and other small animals.