Checkered Giants are a breed of rabbit developed in Europe, and in the UK the breed is known as Giant Papillon.[1]
The bucks (males) should weigh at least 11 pounds (5.0 kg), and mature does (females) 12 pounds (5.4 kg), however, there is no specified maximum weight. The Checkered Giant is outweighed only by the Giant Chinchilla and the Flemish Giant. The Checkered Giant is considered a show rabbit rather than a meat rabbit.
Here are the showroom weights of the Checkered Giant Rabbit.
Many rabbits do very well in the home. They can be litter box trained and are good groomers. Be aware that rabbits love to chew so make sure all wires are safely hidden or in protective plastic covers and understand that some of your furniture may be nibbled. If you choose to cage your rabbit, make sure the cage is at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet (0.9×0.9×1.2 m). If the cage has a wire bottom make certain you give the rabbit a resting mat to stand on so his feet won’t get damaged from being on the wire all the time. Provide a hide box or shelter and plenty of straw for bedding. This breed does not do well in extreme high or low temperatures.
The bucks (males) should weigh at least 11 pounds (5.0 kg), and mature does (females) 12 pounds (5.4 kg), however, there is no specified maximum weight. The Checkered Giant is outweighed only by the Giant Chinchilla and the Flemish Giant. The Checkered Giant is considered a show rabbit rather than a meat rabbit.
Here are the showroom weights of the Checkered Giant Rabbit.
- Senior Bucks-8 months of age and over, min weight 11 lb (5.0 kg)
- Senior Does-8 months of age and over, min weight 12 lb (5.4 kg)
- Int Bucks and Does-6-8 months of age, min weight 9 lb (4.1 kg)
- Jr. Bucks & Does-under 6 months of age, 6 lb (2.7 kg) and over
- Pre-Jr. Bucks & Does-under 3 months of age, not less than 4 lb (1.8 kg) and not over 7 lb (3.2 kg). Each sex & variety (Black-Blue) judged separately.
Many rabbits do very well in the home. They can be litter box trained and are good groomers. Be aware that rabbits love to chew so make sure all wires are safely hidden or in protective plastic covers and understand that some of your furniture may be nibbled. If you choose to cage your rabbit, make sure the cage is at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet (0.9×0.9×1.2 m). If the cage has a wire bottom make certain you give the rabbit a resting mat to stand on so his feet won’t get damaged from being on the wire all the time. Provide a hide box or shelter and plenty of straw for bedding. This breed does not do well in extreme high or low temperatures.
Flemish Giant Rabbits are known for their size. You will find that they are one of the more popular breeds at rabbit shows and 4H Clubs. They have many nicknames, but two are well known. "Gentle Giant" is for its docile personality and "universal rabbit" for its varied purposes as a pet, show, breeding, meat or fur animal. Their larger frame requires special attention to the spine alignment when handling. People considering this breed for pets or show should consider their size, level of food consumption and amount of waste production before buying. Due to their large size, they require substantial living quarters that allow for physical movement. Rabbits over 12 lbs. must have at a minimum of 5 square feet of floor space if housed in a cage. Cages with incorrectly sized wire gauge bottoms can harm the feet of any rabbit, but with the extra weight of a Flemish Giant, this substantially increases. A resting board will be required to prevent sore hocks (feet).
In supplementing a pellet diet, take care not to give to much protein, calories, and minerals such as salt and calcium. This can cause kidney stones. Overfeeding and obesity is a major health concern for any rabbit. Recommendations for a balanced, healthy diet requires 2 cups of chopped leafy vegetables per 6 pounds (3 kg) of body weight and no more than 2 tablespoons of fruit or carrots per 6 pounds (3 kg) of body weight daily. Anything over that will result in obesity.
Breeding of Flemish Giants should not happen until they are 14 lbs. or greater. Gestation is 28-31 days just like any other rabbit breed. Flemish Giants can have anywhere from 5-12 kits per litter.
Flemish Giants are not typically regarded as "meat" rabbits because the commercial rabbit market focuses on young rabbits, usually around 70 days of age. At this time, Flemish Giants are developing bone mass rather than muscle. However, when raised to roasting (under 6 months) and stewing (over 6 months) age, the size of the Flemish makes them desirable. They are also often bred with other meat rabbit breeds, such as the New Zealand, to increase both meat-to-bone ratio and litter size.
In supplementing a pellet diet, take care not to give to much protein, calories, and minerals such as salt and calcium. This can cause kidney stones. Overfeeding and obesity is a major health concern for any rabbit. Recommendations for a balanced, healthy diet requires 2 cups of chopped leafy vegetables per 6 pounds (3 kg) of body weight and no more than 2 tablespoons of fruit or carrots per 6 pounds (3 kg) of body weight daily. Anything over that will result in obesity.
Breeding of Flemish Giants should not happen until they are 14 lbs. or greater. Gestation is 28-31 days just like any other rabbit breed. Flemish Giants can have anywhere from 5-12 kits per litter.
Flemish Giants are not typically regarded as "meat" rabbits because the commercial rabbit market focuses on young rabbits, usually around 70 days of age. At this time, Flemish Giants are developing bone mass rather than muscle. However, when raised to roasting (under 6 months) and stewing (over 6 months) age, the size of the Flemish makes them desirable. They are also often bred with other meat rabbit breeds, such as the New Zealand, to increase both meat-to-bone ratio and litter size.