How Long Do Flemish Rabbits Live: Giant Breed Facts  

One bittersweet reality of having a pet rabbit is that these adorable creatures have a relatively short lifespan. This is particularly true for large rabbit breeds, who usually don’t hang around as long as smaller buns. Flemish Giant rabbits seem to be an exception to this rule, though, as these gentle giants have a knack for living longer than your average bunny.    

If you’re looking to bring home one of this large-size breed, you’ll likely want to know how long Flemish Rabbits live. Let’s discover the answer, along with other fascinating facts, about this huge but charming bun.

What is a Flemish Giant Rabbit?   

Flemish Giant Rabbits, known as the “king of rabbits,” are the largest rabbit breed out there. Originally hailing from Belgium, these fluffy giants have been around since at least the 16th century. They were thought to have descended from the now-extinct Patagonian or Stone rabbit.    

Back in the day, these lovable titans were raised for fur and meat. However, they quickly became popular animal companions, not just in the United States but all over the globe. Their massive size and docile nature are just some of the reasons that make them great pets for folks of all ages, even for families with small children.  

These big rabbits came to the US in the early 1900s and were recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1910.  

You can tell a Flemish giant rabbit from other rabbits because they usually have broader heads than other rabbits. Their fur can be different colors too – from light grey to dark brown and they typically have large ears.

Size of Giant Flemish Rabbits  

The Flemish Giant is one large rabbit, indeed. These huge buns tip the scales at around 15-22 pounds and measure between 2.5-4 feet. Don’t expect your charming behemoth to stick to the breed standards, though, as Flemish Giants can exceed your expectations.   

In fact, the heaviest rabbit, a Flemish Giant named Darius, made it to the Guinness World Records with a weight of 49 pounds (22 kg.) and a length of 1.3 meters (4 ft. 3 in.). That’s as large as a medium-sized dog.  

How Long Do Flemish Rabbits Live?   

While the large size of a Flemish Giant Rabbit is undoubtedly impressive, its longer lifespan further contributes to this rabbit species’ appeal. It can match, and at times even surpass, the lifespans of smaller breeds, like the small Harlequin holland lop or the Netherland dwarf rabbit. On average, Flemish Giant Rabbits can stick around for about 8-10 years.   

However, given the proper care and a healthy diet, some members of this largest breed of rabbits can live longer than that, as some Flemish Giant rabbit breeders have experienced. Their potential for a long life makes them an attractive choice for bun lovers seeking a long-term fur pal.    

Factors That Affect How Long Flemish Rabbits Live   

Compared to other large bunny breeds, such as the Continental Giant rabbit that lives for only about 4-7 years, the life expectancy of Flemish Giant Rabbits tends to be longer. As such, they hold out the promise of a more enduring presence in your life.  

But even if they’re a healthy breed, it’s not just genetics that decide how long you’ll have your giant pal with you. Several factors can help your pet live beyond their standard life length. 

Food and Nutrition  

Because of its larger size, a Flemish Giant Rabbit requires more food than smaller rabbit breeds, such as a dwarf Lionhead. But it’s not just the amount of food that matters when keeping your fur baby healthy. The type of chow you provide plays a significant role, too. 

Like other bunny breeds, a Flemish Giant’s diet should consist mostly of hay. Timothy Hay is the best option, but you can also include different types in the menu. These include meadow and oat hay. Fortunately, many varieties of hay will suit your gigantic furball.  

Leafy greens, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of fruit will help provide the essential nutrients that support your bun’s health. What about portion size? Offer 2-4 cups of veggies for every 5 pounds of rabbit. Because most fruits have high sugar content, give them sparingly (half a teaspoon to one teaspoon depending on your pet’s size), about 2 times a week.  

Make sure your bunny always has access to fresh, clean water to keep him hydrated. Wondering whether to go with water bottles or bowls? The good news is both will work for your pet.  

Living Space  

Being much larger than your average bunny, Flemish Giant Rabbits require a large area for their home. To prevent stress, provide plenty of room for these big buns to move around (and flop!). The minimum cage size we recommend is 3 by 4 feet (0.9 by 1.2 meters), but check if your happy hopper has enough space to extend his hind legs fully.  

Also, because Flemish Giant Rabbits can jump around 3 feet, their enclosure should be tall enough to stop them from doing escape acts or hurting themselves.   

Wire-sided cages provide excellent ventilation. However, the bottom portion should be made of solid material, such as plastic. Wire floors can create uncomfortable pressure points on your fluffy pal’s delicate feet and can lead to a condition called sore hocks. This is like a blister and can be painful for your bunny.  

Reference this post for a complete guide on what rabbits need in their enclosures.

Spaying or Neutering  

Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of female rabbits, while neutering means removing the testicles of male buns. Desexing female Flemish Giant Rabbits can help prevent health issues of the reproductive system, such as uterine cancer and ovarian tumors.  

Neutering male rabbits reduces the risk of testicular cancer. It also curbs hormone-driven aggression that can lead to fights and injuries with other rabbits.  

Medical Care  

Taking your Flemish Giant Rabbit to the vet regularly helps catch any health concerns early and boosts the odds of successful treatment. Don’t forget about health-maintenance musts like routine vaccinations, parasite control, and dental check-ups to keep your gentle giant in great shape.  

You may not need them now, but keep these guides on what to do when your rabbit is sneezing, rabbit eye problems, and head tilt handy.

Grooming  

Flemish Giant Rabbits have thick fur. It certainly adds to their cuteness quotient but requires extra attention. Your fluffy bunny needs a good brushing at least once a week. Otherwise, he might end up swallowing too much fur while grooming. This can cause an intestinal blockage that can develop into the dreaded GI stasis, a known rabbit-killer.  

Your pet can also get ear mites, and brushing is an excellent way to spot those pesky critters.  

What Health Concerns Can Affect How Long Flemish Rabbits Live? 

While generally healthy, Flemish Giant Rabbits can still encounter health issues that impact their lifespan. Let’s look at some of those to help keep your big bun thriving and hopping for as long as possible.  

GI Stasis  

This is when a rabbit’s digestive system slows down or stops functioning properly. The condition is highly concerning as it can turn serious quickly. Gastrointestinal or GI stasis affects a rabbit’s ability to digest food and eliminate waste, potentially leading to severe discomfort, pain, and even life-threatening complications.  

Signs of illness associated with this health issue include lack of appetite, not pooping, bloating, and lethargy.   

Your fur baby can get this condition for various reasons. Eating a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough water, getting stressed, and ingesting foreign objects (think carpet fibers and chips of wooden flooring) are all possible causes.

Spondylosis  

Older Flemish Giant buns can develop a condition known as spinal spondylosis. It’s a non-inflammatory degenerative disorder that causes non-cancerous growths (called osteophytes) to pop up in their bodies, mainly around the lower spine. This can lead to pain and discomfort, making life less fun for your furry pal.

You might notice your bun moving more slowly, having trouble with his hind legs, and soiling himself with pee and poop if he develops this health problem.

The exact cause of spondylosis remains uncertain, though it is likely due to the natural aging process.   

Malocclusion  

This is a dental condition in rabbits whose teeth don’t line up right, especially those front chompers called incisors. These teeth keep growing, and it could spell trouble for your furry pal when they don’t mesh correctly.   

When a rabbit has malocclusion, his teeth can get too long or become really sharp, making it hard for him to munch on his food. This usually leads to weight loss. Those spiky teeth can also hurt the inside of your bun’s mouth, leading to ulcers and other oral injuries.

The condition often occurs because of genetics, diet, injury, or other health problems.  

Sore Hocks  

Sore hocks, also known as “pododermatitis” or “bumblefoot,” in rabbits are like painful foot sores. They happen on the bottom of a bun’s feet, especially near the bendy part (the hock). Redness, swelling, and hair loss on the feet are some symptoms of sore hocks. Your bunny may limp, avoid putting weight on his feet, or show signs of discomfort when walking.  

These sores can develop when rabbits spend a lot of time on hard or rough surfaces, like wire cages, or in dirty living conditions. Being overweight, not eating right, and not moving around enough can make things worse.  

If you notice your bun experiencing health problems, the best move is to take him to a rabbit-savvy vet.  

How Long Do Flemish Rabbits Live FAQs

More on Rabbit Breeds

• How Big Do Holland Lop Rabbits Get? Complete Guide  
• How Long Do Flemish Rabbits Live: Giant Breed Facts  
• Are Rabbits Rodents? Find Out More About These Small Mammals  
• How Long Do Holland Lop Rabbits Live?  
• All About Bunnies with Red Eyes: Why and How They Get Red Eyes  

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