Story and photos by Kim Doner
Well, it’s been my observation that preferences in animal
companions are as varied as the choices available; I, for one, LOVE big critters and thoroughly appreciate domestic fur family members who sport a little more heft than average: German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs and Malamutes; Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons; Clydesdales and Percherons. I realize the sweep of a heavily fringed tail often destroys fragile decor on a coffee table, and one’s legs immediately go numb once one’s lap is occupied by a weighty purring partner. Then there are horses or pigs — when feeding, housing and exercise are genuine investments of love.
Ah, but these are minor prices to pay for the joy of a full-body hug around a beefy buddy, right?
But what if I told you there is another option available for mammoth pet lovers out there? An animal that fits in an apartment or mansion, doesn’t trigger allergies, doesn’t need to be walked, can be housebroken — and whose poop is worth utilizing for your garden? This particular pet is big enough to command both of your arms for hoisting — not a minor little one-handed lift. One of these mammals can grow to about 20 pounds or so — and is happy being draped across your lap should the two of you binge a favorite series all weekend. No barks, no bites, no rounds of going into heat; cuddly, calm and a good listener … tolerant of kids, happy in an apartment…
Sounds too good to be true, but I kid you not: Flemish Giants are out there, and they are truly the gentle giants of pet rabbits.
It was my great fortune to not only be requested to write about the biggest bunnies in the world, but also to actually experience
them for real. The Tulsa area has a bona fide Flemish Giant breeder who is committed, knowledgeable, responsible and loves her some buns. Veterinarian Nutritionist Dr. Beth Dupree was generous enough with her time to educate me about the lovely lagomorphs of Bella Bunnies Giant Rabbits (bella-farms.com) and gave me the royal tour of a well-maintained bunny kingdom. Her knowledge as a rabbit nutritionist was obvious in its results as I noted healthy coats, bright eyes and a bevy of relaxed rabbits in their wooded surroundings.
My first Giant introduction was to Barry, who is quite possibly the oldest living Flemish Giant in history, being well into his 14th year of hopping the earth. Once he was allowed into the yard, I watched him slowly navigate around the pens, sniffing to say hello to all his chums and romantic acquaintances. His summer coat was shedding in clumps, his eyes were filmy with cataracts, but he clearly enjoyed the socializing.
It was straight out of a scene from “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” (myself being the reduced human in the movie) as Beth and her husband, Mike, brought forth one bun after another, each successively larger than the next.
Barry was big enough, but holy moly! Flemish Giants are, well — GIANT!
Flemish Giants, and their cousins, Continental Giants, reputedly began in the northern area of Belgium known as Flanders sometime in the 16th century. The hope behind producing humongous rabbits was for fur and meat; however, their bone structure (big) and eating habits (tons) didn’t contribute to much of a profit. What DID work was their nature; the breed is well-known as extremely laid back and easy going.
Their popularity as pets grew, crossing the pond to America in the 1890s. A Flemish Giant Federation began in 1915 to monitor and encourage the breeding and care of the species. Now, they are often the rabbit of choice for families with small children because of their mellow personalities.
For those of you who need more than words to imagine ROUS (Rabbits of Unusual Size, literary theft credit: “The Princess Bride”), the Guinness Book of World
Records gave the title of World’s Biggest Rabbit to Darius, a Continental or Flemish Giant (depending on the source) who lived in central England and weighed in at 49 pounds. When comfortably relaxed in a full stretch, Darius was 51 inches long.
Sadly, Darius was bun-napped in April this year and has not been returned — even though he’s past the age to father more kits for an unscrupulous breeder. Granted, his size is exceptional; generally, Giants grow to
around 20 pounds, comparable to most terrier breeds, as well as a one-year-old toddler.
In a “well, duh” aside, the health, growth and weight of a Giant is usually directly related to the breeder and subsequent owner. As in any registered breed, there are those with only cash in mind. A really conscientious breeder will know their does and bucks, maintain balanced diets, restrict breeding cycles and ensure their pairs are given ample caging that is temperate, as well as fastidious. When they do breed, gestation is about a month, and litters can run up to a dozen kits. Buns-of-size originated in cooler climates — think mild European summers but chilly winters.
Flemish Giants are known for birthing litters in the snow without a second thought, but their hearts can give out when left in a backyard during an Oklahoma summer.
One charming note: It’s not hard to tell the mamas from the papas — look for the dewlap on a female. These are stretchy, pudgy, generous double-chins that evolved for Mama Buns to snuggle around their kits at night, just like built-in “blankies,” which furthers the “awwwwwww” factor for me. (Wouldn’t it be nice to exalt double-chins? But I digress.)
Should you now be jonesing for this large a love, here are a few more pointers:
1. Read up on rabbit relationships.
Your bun will stay healthy with clean and ample housing, a proper diet, occasional brushing and climate control — but will thrive with your attention. They’re bright animals and can learn far more than previously known. Flemish are more passive than Continentals, who are more playful. Understand their personality needs.
2. Be aware they can live up to 10 years or more, and stay on top of checkups with your vet. Lagomorphs are animals whose teeth never stop growing; the right food is very important to direct this growth. They’re prone to ear mites, and ticks love rabbit ears. They’re very sensitive to certain smells: predator musk or urine, blood, ammonia, garlic and more. Being as heavy as they are, thin wire foundations in a hutch can cause toe and hock problems. Understand their physical needs.
3.Research your breeder. The Big Three of enormous buns are Flemish Giants, Continental Giants and Giant Chinchillas (the only big buns originating from America). Colors are defined and restricted by registration. Can they prove lineage? What does their facility look like? Will they guide you in caretaking, and do they request the rabbits
be returned if you can’t give them a proper home? Understand your sources. Then get on a list and stay patient.
After all, it’s worth it — if you really want somebunny to love.
