For this particular experiment, we will be focusing on the growth and development of Flemish Giants. To see this entire process from beginning to end, please follow the posts with this (above) title, which will be numbered.
We are shooting for the stars, per se! For many years, I have searched out and checked around and done web search after search to figure out the absolute best possible design and size for housing the huge bunnies. My theory in this is on the basis of "sharks in a tank" (In essence, sharks will grow as large as their environment allows for them to grow.) My goal in this is based on several things: 1- fat rabbits are not healthy... 2- mass matters ... 3- muscle tone & bone is important ... 4- how big is too big / how small is too small? ... 5- is bigger really better?
Here are the current (& will be upcoming) results of my findings and experiments.
1. FAT RABBITS ARE NOT HEALTHY:
A few of the problems caused by rabbit obesity (lets just call it what it is) are fatty liver disease, heart disease, breathing problems, bladder sludge, reproductive problems, arthritis, and sore hocks. No one who is serious about the quality of the rabbits they produce (& show) wants to bring these problems into their herd. Far too much work, time, and money is invested in raising them correctly, and culling for the perfection of the breed.
2. MASS MATTERS:
In regards to a large-breed rabbit, mass is a key element; especially at the show tables. While its true that over-all condition should be judged more prominently to size, 9x out of 10, the winner is going to be the biggest rabbit on the table (provided there are no DQ's, of course). BUT - when comparing apples to oranges, a highly-toned, heavily muscled & boned, higher quality of over-all balance should take the ribbon when being judged against a rabbit that is big due to weight. In fact, judges are taught to be mindful of the actual flesh condition of every rabbit that comes before them. Ideally, they are looking for the most fit & healthy rabbit that is presented to them.
3. MUSCLE TONE & BONE:
A healthy, fit, well-balanced rabbit will carry its weight easily, and evenly throughout its entire body. And bone density and size are vital to supporting their body. There's not much that can humanly be done to change bone density; other than only breed for higher quality genetics that produce that. However, in order to gain and maintain good, tight muscle tone (aka "flesh condition"), there is only one way to do that - regardless to species - and that answer is eating well and exercise. Also, rabbits are not, by their own accord, typical 'over-eaters', such as humans can be. Typically, rabbits eat what they need, rather than being concerned with 'cleaning their plate'. The difference in what they eat is fully determined by 'you'. If you feed them sugary, fatty foods - they are going to reap the results of that. If you feed them high quality pellets (not cutesy pet-store feed, etc), with limited amounts of correct/safe treats and supplements, they also reap the results of that. So, that brings us to the next thing - exercise. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that any living creature must have to room move around. The more confined they are, the less they can move. The less they move, the less exercise they get.
4. HOW BIG IS TOO BIG / HOW SMALL IS TOO SMALL?
Well, the answer to that depends on the size of the inhabitant of that space. Minimally, the rabbit - in this case- must have enough space to move around their 'home', comfortably. They should be able to stretch out without touching either end of the 'wall', and up without their ears touching the 'roof'. Maximum-range, of course, would be unlimited room to come and go as they please, when and where they please. The ideal home therefore, would be something in the middle; a place to allow them amply roaming, while yet being confined enough to be kept safe from predators, weather elements, and yet preventing them from total escape.
5. IS BIGGER REALLY BETTER?
This is the final question. Once you factor in all of the above variations of feed, exercise, muscle, bone, and so on - what are you left with? Senario 1: A healthy, well-balanced rabbit that has all of its needs met while given plenty of room for roaming. - OR - Senarios 2: A rabbit that will be too thin, from too much excersize and a wilder-mental state, from not having enough balanced structure to provide for their curious tendencies.
NOW.... with all of this said, and literally, done - "LET THE EXPERIMENT BEGIN!"
(to find out the final results, follow these posts - which will be titled the same as this.)
Here are the current (& will be upcoming) results of my findings and experiments.
1. FAT RABBITS ARE NOT HEALTHY:
A few of the problems caused by rabbit obesity (lets just call it what it is) are fatty liver disease, heart disease, breathing problems, bladder sludge, reproductive problems, arthritis, and sore hocks. No one who is serious about the quality of the rabbits they produce (& show) wants to bring these problems into their herd. Far too much work, time, and money is invested in raising them correctly, and culling for the perfection of the breed.
2. MASS MATTERS:
In regards to a large-breed rabbit, mass is a key element; especially at the show tables. While its true that over-all condition should be judged more prominently to size, 9x out of 10, the winner is going to be the biggest rabbit on the table (provided there are no DQ's, of course). BUT - when comparing apples to oranges, a highly-toned, heavily muscled & boned, higher quality of over-all balance should take the ribbon when being judged against a rabbit that is big due to weight. In fact, judges are taught to be mindful of the actual flesh condition of every rabbit that comes before them. Ideally, they are looking for the most fit & healthy rabbit that is presented to them.
3. MUSCLE TONE & BONE:
A healthy, fit, well-balanced rabbit will carry its weight easily, and evenly throughout its entire body. And bone density and size are vital to supporting their body. There's not much that can humanly be done to change bone density; other than only breed for higher quality genetics that produce that. However, in order to gain and maintain good, tight muscle tone (aka "flesh condition"), there is only one way to do that - regardless to species - and that answer is eating well and exercise. Also, rabbits are not, by their own accord, typical 'over-eaters', such as humans can be. Typically, rabbits eat what they need, rather than being concerned with 'cleaning their plate'. The difference in what they eat is fully determined by 'you'. If you feed them sugary, fatty foods - they are going to reap the results of that. If you feed them high quality pellets (not cutesy pet-store feed, etc), with limited amounts of correct/safe treats and supplements, they also reap the results of that. So, that brings us to the next thing - exercise. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that any living creature must have to room move around. The more confined they are, the less they can move. The less they move, the less exercise they get.
4. HOW BIG IS TOO BIG / HOW SMALL IS TOO SMALL?
Well, the answer to that depends on the size of the inhabitant of that space. Minimally, the rabbit - in this case- must have enough space to move around their 'home', comfortably. They should be able to stretch out without touching either end of the 'wall', and up without their ears touching the 'roof'. Maximum-range, of course, would be unlimited room to come and go as they please, when and where they please. The ideal home therefore, would be something in the middle; a place to allow them amply roaming, while yet being confined enough to be kept safe from predators, weather elements, and yet preventing them from total escape.
5. IS BIGGER REALLY BETTER?
This is the final question. Once you factor in all of the above variations of feed, exercise, muscle, bone, and so on - what are you left with? Senario 1: A healthy, well-balanced rabbit that has all of its needs met while given plenty of room for roaming. - OR - Senarios 2: A rabbit that will be too thin, from too much excersize and a wilder-mental state, from not having enough balanced structure to provide for their curious tendencies.
NOW.... with all of this said, and literally, done - "LET THE EXPERIMENT BEGIN!"
(to find out the final results, follow these posts - which will be titled the same as this.)