How Big Do Flemish Giant Rabbits Get? [Size Guide For Owners]

If you’re planning on getting a rabbit, you may be looking into the Flemish Giant breed. Is that word ‘Giant’ causing concern? Are you wondering how big these rabbits really get? You’ve come to the right place. Here is all you need to know in regards to their size.

So, how big do Flemish Giant rabbits get? Flemish Giant rabbits typically weigh between 15-22 lbs (6.8-10 kg) on average. From front toe tip to back toe tip, they can reach 38 inches (95 cm) in length. They are considered the largest breed of rabbit, similar in size to a medium-sized dog. 

It’s no surprise that this is a fancy rabbit breed.

Fancy – what is that?

Well, it essentially is any rabbit breed that is kept both for show and exhibiting (as well as being kept as pets).

And, a lot of the allure of this particular breed is undoubtedly their size.

At least for show.

When it comes to keeping them as pets, this size can be a little off-putting.

Or, at the very least has potential owners are concerned about what is truly required to keep them.

With this in mind, let us now take a closer look at their size and requirements to know what you would be getting yourself into if you did proceed with the breed!

At What Age Is A Flemish Giant Rabbit Considered Fully Grown?

Flemish Giant rabbits typically reach their full-grown adult size by 18 months (1.5 years) of age, on average. This is considerably longer when compared to other rabbit breeds, which generally take 6-9 months.

But they have a lot of growing to do.

These are huge rabbits, after all.

And then we have to consider variance too.

Some Flemish Giant rabbits will reach their full-grown size a little sooner, perhaps by 16 months, whereas others may keep growing until they are two years of age!

But why is this?

It’s partly genetics.

And has a lot to do with the size of former rabbits in the lineage (the parental rabbits used in breeding, their parental rabbits, and so on and so forth).

However, it’s not just down to genetics.

There are other factors involved.

Such as the diet they consume and the living conditions in which they are kept.

Nevertheless, Flemish Giant Rabbits end up being big.

They possess a long, muscular body with wide hindquarters and a ‘semi-arch’ – a curved spine that is easily noticeable.

Can You Hold A Flemish Giant Rabbit? 

It is possible for most people to hold a Flemish Giant Rabbit, but there is a correct way to do so to ensure they remain comfortable and supported at all times.

In reality, not everyone may be able to hold these rabbits. They do weigh up to 22 lbs (10 kg), after all.

It takes quite a bit of strength.

Plus the fact they are long and generally quite awkward to hold.

Nevertheless, in order to hold a Flemish giant, you will need to support their upper body with one of your arms around their chest and front legs.

With your other arm, you would need to support their lower body, being sure to support their rear legs.

Without being too forceful, you would also want to hold the rabbit to your chest securely.

If the rabbit appears anxious, then it is generally advised to lower them to the ground gently and let them go.

Besides, due to their weight, most people will not be able to hold them for long anyway!

Anxious rabbit or not.

How Big Of A Cage Does A Flemish Giant Need?

Flemish Giant rabbits require a large cage or hutch that is at least 4 feet in height and 4 feet in length, at a minimum. This will allow a Flemish to comfortably stand on their back legs and stretch out – without their ears or front/hind feet touching the sides in any direction. 

In reality, the more space you can afford your Flemish, the better.

You do not want them to feel enclosed or confined in any way.

It’s best to offer the most room that you can afford to let them move freely around.

They are a curious, inquisitive breed, after all.

And they like to inspect their environment – both around and above them.

So you need to be able to account for this.

But where should this large cage be kept?

Well, Flemish Giants can live both inside or outside. So long as they have sufficient space.

And as to what you should or can do will come down to personal circumstances.

Some owners even purchase heavy metal dog kennels for keeping their Flemish indoors, placing them in a spare room of their home.

For outdoor hutches, one made to order or built from scratch are the common approaches.

Wire, wood, roofing shingles, and even aluminum or metal are materials routinely used to build the hutch.

There are numerous designs and styles that work well with this breed, so long as they follow the dimensions set out above.

Equally, it’s important that any outdoor hutch is appropriately placed – protected against the natural elements and potential attacks from other animals.

How Much Space Do Flemish Giant Rabbits Need?

Flemish Giants need considerable space outside of their cage or hutch to roam about and stretch their legs. An enclosed area is not enough.

Providing a large exercise space is required when keeping a rabbit, and the Giant Flemish is no different.

So, you will need to invest in an extra-large run.

Whether you keep this indoors or even provide a spare room for your Giant Flemish indoors is advised.

As is putting something down on the floor, such as a rubber-backed rug or even straw.

This will protect your floor, can help keep the room clean and sanitized, and will also prevent your Flemish from getting injured on a hard floor.

Due to spatial limitations or preferences, some owners will even fence off a large section of their yard/garden for their Giant Flemish to roam.

Either way, the area needs to be safe and entirely rabbit-proof.

That means they do not have access to anything that could cause them harm.

Inside, these could be electrical wires, cords, furniture legs, or even cushions that these rabbits will chew through.

Outside, the dangers can range from toxic plants to other animals, to chemicals from treatment to the weather!

So either way, a roaming rabbit should be supervised and kept an eye on regularly.

Finally

The clue is the name. Giant Flemish rabbits really are huge.

In fact, they are the biggest breed you could consider getting.

Much larger than your average New Zealand, for instance.

So much so that they will certainly not be a breed for everyone.

They’re a challenge to hold, particularly for young children and the elderly, and they need a lot of space.

Not just in terms of their cage/hutch size but where they are kept.

And then there is the diet.

They are known to eat a lot of food!

Eating their weight in grass/hay a day!

So, there is undoubtedly a lot to consider with this particular breed.

They are the largest breed of rabbit, after all.

But thankfully, they are typically calm, docile, and sweet-natured. 

Or, in other words, gentle giants.

Are you still researching for a rabbit breed? Wondering what their respective sizes are? My following guide will be of help:

• How Big Do Rabbits Get? [The Ultimate Size Guide]