Surprisingly large representatives of the breed giant Belgian (Flanders), at first discouraged by its size, but the friendliness and tranquility very quickly have to yourself.In the United States and other countries, giants often become darlings of the family, have fun playing with them and adults and children.But the main direction - is growing rabbits of this breed in farmers' backyards, for subsequent slaughter.
Belgian giant rabbit breeds: the roots
specialists actively arguing about the origin of these giant rabbits.There are different versions, one of which is that huge hare representatives were descendants is Patagonian hares.We brought them travelers from the Netherlands (in the sixteenth or seventeenth century) and a stranger from a distant Argentina.About Flanders became known only after the start of trade cooperation with Argentina.This version is refuted, as the Argentine rabbits weigh a little more than a kilogram, and patogontsy all died, so it is impossible to confirm this hypothesis.
is believed that giants brought from Flanders, where there was a desired selection, which lasted a long time.In North America, the breed was in the nineteenth century.Trade shows rabbits began to settle in 1910, and six years later began its existence the National Federation of rabbit breeding.Worldwide, the Belgian giant - a rabbit quite popular and are actively bred.
Constitution
Breeders carefully deduce different subspecies of giant to optimize their living and breeding in different conditions.But animals of all subspecies retain certain characteristics that unite them.
Belgian giant rabbit breeds is different in that the animals have a high body weight.This is a very important factor for the species.The weight must be less than six kilograms, sometimes there are ten kilos heavier individuals.The body, as a rule, long, massive, more curved.The body may be sixty-five centimeters long.The ears on a large head are upright and are reasonably general form.
Ears
Belgian giant (rabbit) has long and broad ears that resemble mugs.The length of the ear can reach twenty-five centimeters.If its metering value was less than twelve centimeters, the individual is rejected.At the edge of the ear should go black edging.
head
Belgian giant (rabbit) is a large, massive head, but it can not be called serious.These rabbits funny cheeks, which are also quite large.
Chest
amused many clumsy rabbit caused wide and deep chest.Options girth reach forty-five centimeters.
Wool
Belgian giant - a rabbit, which can have the following color: gray, dark gray, black, agouti (gray-red), blue, white, silver, sand, opal, fawn (orange-sand).Wool different density and density.It may reach a length of 3.5 centimeters.
Skins giants are highly valued.They were not repainted and used in its natural form.Due to the high density of fur streaked with little gloss.With the help of this rabbit fur can be simulated beaver, seal or kangaroo.Nutrition and care greatly affect the quality of the skins.
kindling
distinctive feature of the female giant rabbit - is the highest milk yield.The female is able to give birth to fifteen rabbits and nourished them.On average, once every eight babies is born.Already in the first month of life they reach the kilogram, and in the following months the average weight recruited seven kilograms.
Females carefully treat their rabbits, recovery is quick, and after a short period the animals are again ready for mating.
Choosing rabbit breeders are guided by the age of birth to females.The best specimens come from two or three-year females, provided that they consumed only her milk for a long time.Recommend purchase rabbits over two months - they are already firmly established, chronic disease or defect at this age begin to appear.Young animals need to instill sure.
Character
Belgian giant - Bunny (photo shown) quite calm and clever.These animals are friendly with both the children and with all the people in general.Aggression is rare, rabbits get along good with other pets.Some breeders Flanders compared with dogs and say that they understand human speech.Yet, if the family has children under three years of age, the acquisition of Giant as a pet is better to postpone.Animal massive legs can severely injure a small child.
Belgian white Flandres
One subspecies - white Belgian giant.This Rabbit - record holder in size, it is recognized as the biggest and the largest among all the other representatives of the hare.
They took the rabbit in Belgium in the sixteenth century.Among the limitations of the exhibition are the parameters of the minimum weight, it should not be less than 5.5 kilograms.Set the final weight is impossible, because individuals are constantly added.Belgian White can reach seventy-two centimeters.It has a very dense ears, which are also long, and rather fleshy, strong limbs.
Belgian Giant Rabbits: breeding
Breeding of this breed is considered to be quite profitable.Guaranteed income - a significant amount of meat obtained from a single individual, and valuable skin.
There is a small problem, which is that rabbits are very late ready for sexual activity.Mating allowed is reached only eight months.Breeders have to wait twice as long as other professionals, other growers breed rabbits.Pets ordinary rocks can be sent to the mating reaches four months.Sometimes there are problems due to certain diseases rabbits.The animals often appear respiratory diseases, which certainly should be treated.A thick skin is needed for specialized care.
What more needs to be done to develop properly Belgian giant white (rabbit)?As the content affects its appearance?Only one such rabbit hutch required length one hundred and ten centimeters.Width - about seventy centimeters.Height cells usually reaches fifty centimeters.If you need a cage with female rabbits, the dimensions will be even greater.Its definitely need to clean up.
When erecting the cell is better to use natural materials.Suitable for walls thick plywood sheet, net or the board.Wooden beams can be used as a framework and support.Paul is lined with rail or grid cells.On the roof you can also use boards or plywood.If the house will be located in the open air, the roof sheathing best available material for the roof.
Pre recommended to make a detailed drawing of the rabbitry, and then proceed to its construction.It is necessary to take into account the number of pupils, the size and their weight.Cage is best to lift off the ground to a height of about one meter, or rabbits can suffer from rats, in addition, to clean such a cell would be much more convenient.
Feeding
whimsical whether nutritional White Belgian giant (rabbit)?What to feed the animal?Feeding Flanders (Belgium giants) should occur in certain, fairly strict rules, the violation of which leads to the failure of the digestive mechanisms (rabbits can even die).Experienced breeders introduced into the diet drug giants "biomitsin."This golden powder, bitter and odorless.It prevents the growth of E. coli, staphylococci and other pathogens.
Feeding twice a day.Hay is contraindicated in the case of Flanders, so they rarely issued.Also, the diet should be present in the grain.One individual consumes thirty grams of cereal.Females in lactation require an increased dose of corn - about eighty grams per day.Subject to meshanok in power.Mash is a mixture of various vegetables, grated on a coarse grater.It is mixed with animal feed, add some salt and a little fed animals.
increasing number of farmers and hobbyists, carefully weighing all the positive and negative qualities of the breed, the Belgian giants begin to breed.This is not surprising, because despite some possible difficulties to afford a very high quality, diet and healthy meat, which can be included in the diet of even very small children.
