German Giant rabbits were once believed to be things of legend and lore , but in 2007 , a giant rabbit by the name of Robert took the pet universe by violent storm . The portentous blimp of a bunny weighed in at a humongous 23 pound and when bear on his hind leg , he was the size of a 5 - yr - old child .
German Giant Grey Rabbit Characteristics
AlthoughRobert the German Giantstood out , members of the stock are well - known for their size . German Giant Grey coney have a distinctive look due to their size and coloring . They also share some similarities with otherlarge breed rabbitsfound in Europe . German Giants are typically16 to 25 poundswith a dead body distance of about three foot .
Appearance
German Giants are similar toBritish Giantrabbits , and both of these hare were bred fromFlemish Giants , but they do have certain telltale differences . For example , the German Giant is larger and heavier than the British Giant . German Giants also feature a libertine body , whereas the British variant has a all-inclusive front and hindquarters .
Giant Grey Rabbits
As far as colour goes , German Greys are predominantly steel grey ; hence , the name . However , some hare in this stock can feature inglorious or bluish markings . Modern breeder are always working to lend fresh colors into the mixture through intensive nurture programs .
Temperament and Health Issues of the German Giant
German Greys are very teachable pets when worry for and handled properly . However , they tend to fright well , and this can sometimes cause them to react by biting and scratching .
harmonize to the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders ( NFFGRB ) , large breed rabbit are susceptible to sealed enteric leechlike or bacterial infections , especially when fed an unconventional dieting . According toFlemish Giant and Company , gargantuan rabbits are also susceptible to spinal job , such asspondylosis .
Lifespan of the Gray Giant
While larger breeds of cony incline to know a shorter than usual rabbit life , German Giants are an exception . These rabbits enjoy an mediocre life-time of 12 years , whereas other large rabbit stock like the British Giant only average about one-half of that .
Lifestyle Needs of a German Giant
German Giant rabbits require a howling amount of way in which to ramble in decree for them to get the exercise they need to remain sound . Many owners permit their rabbit to take the air around the house freely while providing them with a big dog crateful for sleeping and feeding . rabbit , like cat , will excrete in a single spotin their cage , so bedding material - education them can be well accomplished . With a rabbit of this sizing , this is significant .
jumbo German rabbits delight the companionship of other rabbit , but they do n’t have to be other Giants . They will get along just as well with a regular - sized bunny . Care should be taken when introducing the Giant to other animals , however ; and altering is crucial if you do n’t desire to be stuck with a lot of babies .
Giant Rabbit Diet
Feeding a giant rabbita proper diet is one of the key to ensure it survive a retentive , healthy life . These ducky can quickly become overweight if fed a high - fatty tissue diet and this will lead in joint problem , heart job , and other health issues . recollective hay should make up the bulk of the cony ’s diet with perfect pellets included for residuum . Also authoritative in a giantrabbit ’s dietis a variety of vegetables , Green , and ReadiGrass , a gamy - protein food that ’s effective at avail derogate health problems .
Some Giants can eat between half a Basle and a full Basle of hay a hebdomad . For their pellets , they will eat a similar amount to a Flemish Giant , which is about ahalf - cupful per 24-hour interval . Vegetables should be feed at one to two cups daily and one to two tablespoons of fruit once or twice a week .
Grooming Your German Giant
big coney breeds like the German Giant are not as deft as little - breed rabbits , so grooming often becomes the owner ’s responsibleness . German Giants have a thick , fluffy coat that tends to mislay a muckle of bagatelle during the molting season . Owners involve to comb the molt off of the lapin regularly to forefend the animal take in it and developing hairball . In addition , as the rabbit age , its rearward end will be in constant need of cleaning for remain dry and clean because these rabbits tend to drag their back end once arthritis begin to set in .
Origin of the German Giant
German Giant rabbits are descendants of the Flemish Giant stock of cony . A very old breed of domestic hare , Flemish Giants are recognise to have been around since the 16th Century , and they are believed to have originated in or near the city of Ghent , Belgium . German Giants are not currently weigh a recognise stock of rabbit rather , the term utilise to rabbits that were bred from Flemish Giants . In some parts of the human beings , these coney are forebode German Greys .
German Giant Rabbits as Pets
German Giants are howling pets that in many ways blur the line between a cony and a cat or firedog . These prominent bunnies feel right at home being one of the fellowship and a primary part of the family ’s everyday life , whereas their smaller cousins are predominantly left in their cages for the bulk of their existence . Unlike modest breed rabbits , a German Giant is more likely to enjoy cuddling up next to its owner , going for walks alfresco and have barren run of the family .
Buying a German Giant Rabbit
German Giant rabbits are more wide usable in Europe , so you may have to lick with a stock breeder to have them shipped to you although you could find them through stock breeder in the United States . Visit theAmerican Rabbit Breeders Associationwebsite for their breeder directory . Theaverage sale pricefor a German Giant rabbit is $ 350 . You ’ll need to factor in the monetary value of tending as well including :
You will also have to budget forother rabbit suppliessuch as toys , cage lulu , and water bottles . A honorable approximate yearly caution amount to use is $ 1,500 .
Will This Rabbit Suit Your Lifestyle?
While these cony are fun , interesting and beautiful , they do need a tidy sum of care . So before you get entice in by their bragging , dark-brown eyes and balmy , fluffy fur , consider the expense ( for food ) and the commitment you ’re proceed to have to make to check these rabbits get the tending they deserve before you purchase one for your class . On the other hired man , if you ’re ready and willing for the job , you ’re go to savor this giant , loveable bunny .
