Hutch, Kennel, Cage
What is the best method of shelter to provide for Flemish Giants? Well, there's a lot of different answers to that question, and it relies on where you plan to keep your rabbit. Just a heads up that this is geared towards raising Flemish Giants specifically. This can definitely be used for other breeds, but I didn't find a lot of information about specific housing for flemish giants until YEARS after my hutches were built. I've been through a lot of style changes, so I hope this advice helps! Firstly, flemish giants take up quite a lot of space, so make sure you can provide enough room for them. ARBA recommends at least 5 sq ft of floor space and at least 14 in of height. Working around that number, there's plenty of room to be creative with how you choose to house your rabbits! Note: Velveteen Lops are a medium breed rabbit, and can use this same amount of cage space. It is recommended for medium breeds to have 3 sq ft of floor space per rabbit! Keep in mind that housing is only a part of the picture to having happy, healthy rabbits! Flemish giants, like all other rabbits, need proper nutrition and exercise as well. |
indoors
Flemish giants do great in large dog kennels, ex-pens, or any suitable wire cage! Wire cages can be tricky for large-giant breeds altogether, but I'll talk about that more below.
The greatest advantage to indoor housing is climate control. You have power over the A/C! Rabbits are very temperature sensitive, so being able to house your rabbit indoors during the summer months is a strong pro!
Regarding the type of cage to provide-- that's all up to you.
As long as you have the space and the materials to ensure that your rabbit doesn't get into any trouble with wires, house plants that you're particularly fond of, or your very nice shoes (not speaking from experience at all...), you can't go wrong. Flemish giants are a lot like puppies. They’ll nibble everything at least once, and probably won’t get the hang of a potty routine for at least a couple of weeks. Be ready with a carpet cleaner and keep in mind that rabbits like to chew!! Wood furniture, clothes, wicker decor, etc. are all on that bunny’s radar when it’s looking for a chew toy.
The greatest advantage to indoor housing is climate control. You have power over the A/C! Rabbits are very temperature sensitive, so being able to house your rabbit indoors during the summer months is a strong pro!
Regarding the type of cage to provide-- that's all up to you.
As long as you have the space and the materials to ensure that your rabbit doesn't get into any trouble with wires, house plants that you're particularly fond of, or your very nice shoes (not speaking from experience at all...), you can't go wrong. Flemish giants are a lot like puppies. They’ll nibble everything at least once, and probably won’t get the hang of a potty routine for at least a couple of weeks. Be ready with a carpet cleaner and keep in mind that rabbits like to chew!! Wood furniture, clothes, wicker decor, etc. are all on that bunny’s radar when it’s looking for a chew toy.
outdoors
The outdoors provides fresh air for your rabbits, and it's much easier to clean without the worry of spilling waste. It can also mean that you can provide your rabbit with much more room! Be sure to use a hutch with adequate shelter from the elements. They must be in a spot where they don't get direct sunlight, because it can damage their coat and overheat them instantly. Whatever you build or buy, just make sure that it can keep your rabbit warm enough and dry!
When looking for a pre-built hutch, keep in mind ARBA standards for flemish giants. Many of these hutches won’t be big enough! I highly recommend looking at chicken coops/runs. If there is a run that you plan to place on dirt/grass, it’s a good idea to put down a layer of chicken wire or 12 gauge wire, shovel some dirt on top, and THEN place the hutch. This will insure that your bunny can’t dig it’s way out, or that creatures outside can dig themselves in!
Flemish giants, and all rabbits, need to ALWAYS be protected from: direct sun, draft, humidity/wet/dampness, heat, and predators. Check out what kinds of wildlife are in your area to best prepare, and make sure that high prey-driven dogs (if you have them) don't have access .
When looking for a pre-built hutch, keep in mind ARBA standards for flemish giants. Many of these hutches won’t be big enough! I highly recommend looking at chicken coops/runs. If there is a run that you plan to place on dirt/grass, it’s a good idea to put down a layer of chicken wire or 12 gauge wire, shovel some dirt on top, and THEN place the hutch. This will insure that your bunny can’t dig it’s way out, or that creatures outside can dig themselves in!
Flemish giants, and all rabbits, need to ALWAYS be protected from: direct sun, draft, humidity/wet/dampness, heat, and predators. Check out what kinds of wildlife are in your area to best prepare, and make sure that high prey-driven dogs (if you have them) don't have access .
Flemish giants and wire
Flemish giants have large, furry feet. Because of this, they have trouble sitting on wire for long periods of time. These rabbits get up to 15+ pounds, and all that weight is uncomfortable to sit on if you don't have the proper support, but that doesn't mean you can't use wire floors! Make sure the wire gauge that you buy as flooring is big enough to withstand the weight of a flemish giant, and that their poop can fall through the holes. I use expanded steel for my cage floors, along with cage mats and some plywood.
The issue with sore hocks is that it can happen on both wire and solid surfaces because weight is either not being distributed properly on the rabbit's feet (for example, too flimsy of wire), or because there is too much contact between the rabbit and it's feces/urine. For more information on different types of flooring for flemish giants, or building hutches with wire floors, I highly recommend this article by Two Socks Rabbitry. Wire cages are very efficient, and can be bought pre-built if you desire. The problem bought wire cages is that they normally aren't big enough for flemish giants. Many breeders resort to building their own wire cages so that they meet their rabbit’s custom needs. If you're looking for all-wire rabbit cages, I suggest KW Cages or BASS Equipment. Their biggest cages are 36x30x18, which is ideal for one rabbit. Attending a rabbit show is a good way to see more than one brand of wire cages! Don't be afraid to look at used cages too! |