Checkered Giant rabbit
The Checkered Giant rabbit is a breed of rabbit developed in Europe. In the UK the breed is known as Giant Papillon.[1]
Checkered Giants are one of 49 breeds of domestic rabbits recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Mature Checkered Giant bucks should weigh at least 11 pounds (5.0 kg), and mature does 12 pounds (5.4 kg), but there is no specified maximum weight. The Checkered Giant is outweighed by the Giant Chinchilla and Flemish Giant. The Checkered Giant is considered a show rabbit rather than a meat rabbit. The Checkered Giant is one of only 11 breeds with defined markings. Body type markings differ between European and American Checkered Giants, although they are considered the same breed.[2] The Checkered Giant is considered a 6 class breed.[3]
Appearance
- Recognized Colors of The Checkered Giant rabbit varieties: Black, Blue
- 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.[4]
See: Checkered Giant Rabbit coat pattern
Feed and housing
Checkered Giants do well on a diet of commercial rabbit pellets and free choice timothy hay. Alfalfa hay should be avoided as it is too rich in calcium. Treats such as fresh veggies and fruits should be given sparsely to avoid upsetting the rabbit's digestive tract, which could cause diarrhea and lead to dehydration. Fresh water should always be provided.
Many rabbits do very well in the home. They can be litter box trained and are quite fastidious 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 plank or sea grass mats 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.
Common diseases and disorders
As with other rabbits, they may carry STDs and also this breed does not do well in high or low temperatures. Sore or abscessed feet are common when housed only on wire with no solid surface to rest on.
See also
References
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-12-24. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
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- ^ standard of perfection
- ^ American Rabbit Breeders Association