Giant rabbits are some of the most impressive and rewarding pets you can keep. With their calm personalities, gentle temperaments, and striking size, they have become increasingly popular among dedicated rabbit lovers in the UK. However, caring for a giant rabbit is very different from looking after a dwarf or medium-sized breed. Their needs are greater, their housing must be larger, and their healthcare and diet must be carefully managed.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about keeping giant rabbit breeds, from choosing the right breed and providing appropriate housing, to feeding, grooming, healthcare, behaviour, and long-term considerations.

What Are Giant Rabbit Breeds?

Giant rabbits are typically defined as breeds that weigh 6 kg (13 lb) or more, with some individuals reaching over 10–12 kg. They are known for their large frames, long ears, calm dispositions, and docile nature.

Common Giant Rabbit Breeds in the UK:

• Continental Giant (Conti)
• British Giant
• Flemish Giant
• Giant Papillon
• French Lop (large but not technically a “giant”, often included due to size)
• Giant Chinchilla

These breeds require specialised care and committed keepers, but they can be incredibly affectionate companions.

Key Characteristics of Giant Rabbits

• Weight: 6–12+ kg depending on breed
• Lifespan: 5–7 years on average (some live longer with excellent care)
• Temperament: Gentle, calm, often described as “dog-like”
• Appearance: Large body, powerful legs, long ears, and rapid early growth
• Activity level: Surprisingly active and need significant space to stretch and binky

Giant rabbits grow quickly, reaching near-adult size by 6–9 months, yet they remain physically delicate early in life.

Housing Giant Rabbits

Giant rabbits require far more space than the average hutch or indoor cage can provide. Standard pet shop enclosures are too small.

Minimum Space Requirements

Outdoor Housing:

• Indoor sleeping area: At least 7 ft x 3 ft (2.1 m x 0.9 m)
• Permanent run: At least 10 ft x 6 ft (3 m x 1.8 m)
• Total enclosure height: Minimum 3–4 ft to allow stretching and standing

Indoor Housing:

• A rabbit-proofed room, or
• A large pen measuring at least 10 ft x 6 ft, or
• Free-roaming in a safe home

Essential Housing Features:

• Solid, non-slip floors
• Warm, insulated shelter (especially for outdoor rabbits)
• A secure run with roof and predator-proof mesh
• Platforms or raised areas strong enough for their weight
• Adequate ventilation
• Soft bedding like hay, straw, or fleece liners

Giant rabbits can easily injure themselves in cramped spaces so a roomy environment is essential for their physical and psychological wellbeing.

Exercise and Enrichment

Giant rabbits need daily exercise beyond their enclosure, ideally several hours per day.

Enrichment Ideas:

• Large tunnels (cat or dog tunnels work well)
• Heavy-duty chew toys
• Dig boxes
• Foraging toys
• Platforms to climb
• Secure outdoor time in a safe, enclosed garden
• Social interaction with humans and other rabbits

They are curious animals that enjoy exploring, playing, and interacting.

Diet and Nutrition

Due to their size, giant rabbits have increased dietary needs but they should never be overfed pellets.

Core Diet Breakdown

1. Hay (80–90% of diet)

Unlimited hay at all times:

• Timothy
• Meadow
• Orchard
• Ryegrass
• Oat hay (in moderation)

Hay maintains gut health, prevents obesity, and wears down teeth.

2. Fresh Greens

Offer 2–4 cups daily depending on size:

• Spring greens
• Kale
• Romaine
• Coriander
• Parsley (sparingly)
• Dandelion
• Mint
• Broccoli leaves (limited)

3. Pellets

Choose high-quality timothy-based pellets:

• 50–100 g per day maximum
  (giants are prone to obesity; pellets should be limited)

4. Fresh Water

Provide multiple sources, especially for giants that drink heavily.

5. Treats (Occasional Only)

• Small bits of carrot
• Herbs
• Strawberry tops
• Apple slices

Avoid sugary or starchy treats.

Handling and Behaviour

Giant rabbits are usually calm, friendly, and enjoy human company.

Behaviour Traits:

• Often described as “dog-like”
• Enjoy being stroked but may dislike being picked up
• Bond strongly with owners
• Can be trained to use litter trays
• Need companionship (ideally another rabbit)

Handling Safety

Due to their size, lifting must be very careful:

• Support the chest and hindquarters
• Avoid bending the spine
• Keep sessions short if the rabbit dislikes handling

Poor handling can lead to spinal injuries, a significant risk for large breeds.

Grooming and Coat Care

Most giant breeds have short coats, but some (e.g., Giant Chinchilla) have denser fur.

Grooming Needs:

• Weekly brushing (more during moults)
• Nail trimming every 4–6 weeks
• Regular checks for:
  • Matting
  • Urine scald
  • Sores
  • Fur mites
  • Flystrike in summer

Giant rabbits shed heavily twice a year and need extra grooming during these periods.

Health Concerns in Giant Rabbit Breeds

Giant breeds are prone to unique health challenges due to their rapid growth and heavy weight.

Common Health Issues:

• Joint problems / arthritis
• Sore hocks (pododermatitis)
• Obesity
• Heart problems
• Dental issues
• Gastrointestinal stasis
• Flystrike in warm months
• Respiratory infections
• Spinal injuries (from incorrect handling or sudden movement)

Veterinary Care:

• Annual vaccinations (myxomatosis, VHD1, VHD2)
• Yearly or bi-yearly health checks
• Weight monitoring
• Specialist rabbit-savvy vets are essential

Owners must be prepared for potentially higher vet bills due to their size.

Social Needs of Giant Rabbits

Giant rabbits are highly social and thrive with companionship.

Ideal Companions:

• Other giant rabbits
• Large-medium breeds
• Opposite-sex neutered pairs are most successful

Bonding should always be done slowly and safely.

Long-Term Care and Commitment

Keeping a giant rabbit is a long-term responsibility that requires space, time, and financial readiness.

Before Adopting a Giant Rabbit, Consider:

• Do you have space for a huge enclosure?
• Are you prepared for high food and bedding costs?
• Can you physically handle a large rabbit safely?
• Do you have a rabbit-savvy vet nearby?
• Are you able to provide daily enrichment and exercise?

Giant rabbits are rewarding but not low-maintenance.

Cost of Keeping Giant Rabbits

Giant rabbits are more expensive to keep than smaller breeds.

Typical Costs:

• Food: significantly higher hay and veg consumption
• Bedding: more frequent changes
• Vet care: larger doses and specialist needs
• Housing: custom or extra-large enclosures
• Toys and enrichment: heavy-duty and larger items

Being prepared for the financial commitment is essential.

Conclusion

Giant rabbit breeds are extraordinary companions; gentle, curious, and full of personality. Their impressive size makes them stand out, but it also brings a range of special care requirements that prospective owners must be ready to meet.

With spacious housing, a fibre-rich diet, regular veterinary care, and plenty of enrichment and companionship, giant rabbits can thrive and become affectionate, engaging pets.

For those willing to commit to their needs, a giant rabbit can be one of the most rewarding pets you’ll ever have; a gentle giant with a loving heart.