Picking up a Flemish Giant:

The Flemish Giant is large and strong and has a very "laid back" disposition but not usually when it comes to being picked up. Needless to say it is uncomfortable and disconcerting for them.

Sometimes they are docile and tolerant of considerable handling, but like all animals they too have their limits. At first, I recommend that you take your time handling them, never rush anything, pick them up gently, let them get comfortable with you, and their new surroundings.  When going to pick them up try to pet them first so that they aren't startled, and then proceed with picking them up. Remember, that not all rabbits like being picked up, and this will be the time that they might kick and scratch you. I have found that in time, and with patience,  they will eventually learn that they aren't going to be hurt or dropped and thus will let you pick them up.   Initially, I pick them up by the scruff of the neck and put one hand under their bottom, and thus let them know that they are being supported. This helps me to keep from getting scratched. But sometimes it doesn't.

The larger the rabbit is the harder it will be to pick them up. A 21lb doe is the worst. Then they are very young it is easy to pick up. There are many ways of picking them up, so try different ways and see what works best for you.

General Handling:

A favorite trick at 4-H and Youth rabbit shows is to "hypnotize" a Flemish Giant by placing it on its back and stroking it gently.  However great care needs to be taken when placing them on their back, as they can scratch, since some of them don't like this being done to them.  Once they are relaxed they will fall asleep in this position.

I have also noticed that they don't like to have the tip of their nose messed with, the area behind their whiskers, their tail, or bottom of their feet...  Again, this too can be worked on with patience, and with lots of attention.      

One might think that a huge, docile attractive rabbit has much potential as a pet, and many people do indeed seek them out as pets, and love them. There are others who complain that the Flemish Giant is too laid back, too docile and thus, turn to breeds that show more physical activity, then I tend to disagree... We love our Gentle Giants!

Handling

Handling

Handling

Sub-Pages

Page last updated: September 29, 2011

Fuzzy Buttz Rabbitry.com