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The Problem With Giant Rabbits

Author: The Rabbit Welfare Fund
Posted: Tuesday 7th March, 2006. 00:00:00

Due to the success of the Wallace and Gromit feature film, ‘Curse of the Wererabbit’, Giant Rabbits have become the new “must have” pet. The further media exposure on television programmes such as ‘GMTV’ and ‘This Morning’ have given them additional publicity and to a large extent have made them more appealing because they look so big and cuddly. The trouble is that big rabbits have even bigger problems that should be taken into consideration before taking one on.

Anne Mitchell, a representative of the Rabbit Welfare Association, says “The main problem is that the Giant is a large rabbit and needs at least a 7 - 9 foot hutch. Pet stores and garden centres do not sell hutches large enough to accommodate Giant rabbits and their companions. The alternative may be to purchase a Wendy house with a large exercise area, but this option can be pricey.”

Then there are the health issues. One of the most common problems with the heavier rabbit is that they are more prone to suffer from sore hocks (feet) and if they are unable to exercise, they will put on weight leading to back problems and expensive vet bills.

Next is the problem of handling. If the rabbit has not been handled from an early age by a confident handler, then picking up to check that the animal is clean to help prevent flystrike can be a nightmare.

Finally, these Giant rabbits have a much shorter life span (4 years) than medium sized rabbits.

Therefore, the Rabbit Welfare Association would not recommend anyone purchasing a Giant rabbit without making absolutely certain that they can give this creature the space and time they require and have enough money to cover potential vets bills.

For advice and leaflets on the care of rabbits contact: Rabbit Welfare Association website: www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk or ring the RWA helpline 0780 0465429

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