Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Admin
The checkered giant is one of the popular rabbit breeds with a striking look. These bunnies good-nature and docile temperament makes them good pets. In addition, they’re also a popular choice for showmanship due to their impressive size and distinctive markings. This article delves into the history, appearance, behavior, health/ lifespan, diet, and care of the checkered giant rabbit. We’ll also touch on their housing, whether they can get along with other pets, and how much the breed costs.
History
Checkered giant rabbit breeds were developed in France in the Lorraine region in the late 1800’s and they were later introduced to the UK and the United States in 1910. The breed was known as Lorrainese in France and Land Kaninchen in German. The checkered giant was developed when the French lop, Flemish giant, and spotted rabbits were bred. They were initially bred for their meat and fur and later on, they became popular pets due to their striking appearance, and calm, friendly nature.
Size and physique
The checkered giant rabbit has a wide head, broad ears, and a long-arched back. Their body is muscular and slender making them have a hare-like appearance. In terms of weight, buck adults of this large rabbit breed weigh a minimum of 11 lbs while their Doe counterparts are slightly larger weighing at least 12 lbs. According to the ARBA, this particular breed doesn’t have a specific maximum weight.
Color and fur
According to the ARBA, the checkered giant rabbit’s officially recognized color is white with either black or blue distinctive markings. These include rings around the eyes, butterfly-shaped markings around the nose, colored ears, and a dorsal stripe that covers the giant rabbit’s spine from their ears to tail. The breed also has blue or black spots on its checks and the side of its body. Checkered giant rabbits have soft, thick, and medium-length coats with rollback fur (returns to its original position when stroked in the opposite direction.)
Temperament
Checkered giant rabbits are generally energetic, friendly, and curious by nature. The breeds are wonderful pets that adapt well in different households, whether it’s singles, couples, or large families with kids. The bunnies are also intelligent, making them easier to train. Lastly, checkered giants can also get along with other pets such as cats and dogs, provided they’re introduced at gradually under close supervision.
Lifespan/ Health
The average lifespan of checkered giant rabbits is 5 to 8 years. In terms of their health, just like any other breed, they’re susceptible to common health issues such as ear mites, GI Stasis, sore hocks, and Malocclusion (teeth misalignment).
Diet
The checkered giant rabbit needs to be provided with a balanced diet that consists of primarily 85% hay, 10% greens, and the remaining 5% should contain fruits and pellets as occasional treats. Lastly, also make sure that your rabbit has 24/7 access to fresh drinking water to keep them hydrated.
Care
In terms of general care, checkered giant rabbits need their coats to be groomed occasionally. This should be done once per week to prevent matting and also remove any loose fur. Avoid bathing your rabbit at all costs to prevent them from having shock. In circumstances where you want to remove dirt from their fur, always use a damp towel. In addition, you’ll also need to trim their overgrown nails after a couple of months to prevent your giant rabbit from developing sore hocks.
Considering how energetic the checkered giant rabbit is, both physical and mental stimulation are necessary. To attain this, make sure that they have a secure play area that’s at least 10 x 4 x 4 feet., regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors. The limited play time should be at least 3 hours and while at it, you can also provide your bunny with play toys such as digging boxes, tunnels, or chewing toys.
Housing
Whether your checkered giant rabbit housing is indoors or outdoors, besides being secure also make sure that it’s at least 4 times the size of your rabbit. To be precise an ideal hutch or cage needs to measure 6 ft. long, 2 ft. wide, and 3 ft. high, nonetheless, the larger the better. It’s also worth staying away from cages that have wired floors are these are most likely going to lead to your giant bunny developing sore hocks. For outdoor enclosures, make sure that they are both predator and extreme weather proof.
Do checkered giant bunnies get along with other pets?
Yes, checkered giant rabbits have the potential to get along with other pets, however, the introduction should be done gradually and preferable when both parties are young. Although this particular breed is large in size, they’re still prey animals. When introducing your rabbit to other animals do so in a controlled environment. You may start of by allowing them to smell each other through a wire mesh barrier, then over time let them get used to each other’s presence before letting them interact freely.
What’s the average cost of checkered giant rabbits?
The cost of adopting a checkered giant rabbit may vary depending various factors such as their age, color, health, location and the breed pedigree. On average they normally cost between $50 to $150 from reputable sellers and it may be higher if they’re a show quality breed. On top of that their cage or hutch costs on average between $70 to $200. Their monthly food expense is roughly between $50 to $80 while bedding, grooming supplies and toys can cost around $200 collectively.
