How Much Is a Giant Flemish Rabbit? (2024 Price Guide)
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Pet ownership is a serious responsibility that involves time and a financial commitment toward keeping your animal companion healthy. Dogs and cats are more popular than rabbits but also cost more on both scores. Getting a bunny includes and excludes expenses you’d have with other pets.
The appropriately named Giant Flemish rabbit is the largest of the 49 breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). It tips the scale often over 20 pounds! That means everything is pricier with this bunny versus, say, the diminutive Netherland Dwarf. That’s why it’s essential to research what it takes to own a rabbit, especially when you’re bringing home one that is such a large breed.
Bringing Home a New Giant Flemish Rabbit: One-Time Costs
The Giant Flemish adds a wrinkle to the prospect of getting a bunny for a pet because of its size. Many people might not want such a large animal because of the added expense. It’s worth noting that the wild rabbit only gets about 5.5 pounds. Nevertheless, you can find bunnies from several sources, including hobbyists raising pet-quality animals to show animals with pedigrees.
Free
Getting a Giant Flemish for free might raise some red flags, considering it’s a recognized breed. It has its own national club with official standards, including accepted colors. The National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders (NFFGRB) acknowledges only seven solid colors. Rules also exist about which you can breed. It pays to do your homework if you want a purebred Giant Flemish, and you likely aren’t going to find one for free unless someone you know is giving one away.
Adoption
$25–$120
Sadly, many rabbits end up in shelters or with rescues. However, they are the first places we recommend looking for a Giant Flemish or any pet. These animals need forever homes. Volunteers manage many of these non-profit organizations. The adoption fees cover most expenses, although spayed or neutered pets may cost more.
Breeder
$25–$300
Quality and, thus, pedigree is one of the main deciding factors determining the price you’d pay when buying from a breeder. Pets and non-pedigreed animals are on the lower end of the scale. On the other end are show-quality animals, guaranteed to have no traits that would disqualify them in the show ring. Hitting the circuit is another set of expenses beyond the scope of this article.
However, if your child is a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) or 4-H, you might consider it a worthwhile expense. The takeaway is to determine what you want from owning a Giant Flemish and letting that guide your choice.
Initial Setup & Supplies
$175–$1,400
The cost of buying and setting up a Giant Flemish is quite variable. After all, you’re supersizing your expenses with this breed. Another factor rests with how you view your pet. A recent industry-wide trend is the humanization of the industry. More people think of their animal companions as members of the family. Consequently, they’re willing to spend more on high-quality products.
List of Giant Flemish Care Supplies & Costs
| Cage | $60–$1,000 |
| Bedding | $10–$60 |
| Spay/Neuter | $250 |
| Nail Clipper | $5–$10 |
| Brush/Comb | $7–$15 |
| Litter Box | $10–$30 |
| Litter Scoop | $5–$10 |
| Toys | $20–$30 |
| Carrier | $20–$40 |
| Food Bowls and Water Bottles | $20–$30 |
| Rabbit Pellets | $10–$65 |
| Timothy Hay | $10–$120 |
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How Much Does a Giant Flemish Rabbit Cost Per Month?
$60–$250 per month
As with most pets, food will likely be your biggest monthly expense. Rabbits eat a lot of food in relation to their size. You’ll also have bedding and litter costs. Fortunately, pet humanization has fueled the rise of better products that last longer while tending to your bunny’s needs. Many variables will affect what you pay per month.
Health Care
$10–$50 per month
Medical expenses are typically minimal for rabbits. Most times, you won’t need any vaccinations for your pet. Some routine items include preventives, parasite control, and treatment for injuries. Your out-of-pocket cost may increase if you show your Giant Flemish and must follow additional rules and regulations.
Food
$20–$100 per month
Food quality will impact how much you spend on food for your Giant Flemish. It will need timothy hay and rabbit pellets as the basis of its daily diet. The former means a lot of food replenished daily, the latter, not so much. Hay provides essential nutrients and roughage. Pellets supplement your pet’s intake and shouldn’t be its primary diet because of their concentrated form.
Pet Insurance
$9+ per month
Pet insurance is a good idea that has yet to take off with dogs and cats to any significant degree. It’s not widely available for rabbits, with the exception of Nationwide. Many factors determine your monthly premium, including where you live. The biggest obstacle you’ll likely face is finding a veterinarian who works with rabbits. That can be another variable for determining your insurance premium.
Environment Maintenance
$20–$65 per month
You can clean your rabbit’s cage using a diluted household bleach solution. You can also opt for higher-end products formulated for use with pets. The essential thing is regular maintenance to keep your bunny’s living quarters clean and your house smelling fresh. The actual cost is the time you have to devote to the task.
We recommend teaching your Giant Flemish to use a litter box. It’ll save time and money cleaning its cage. Liners are another helpful product. You can use baking soda in the box for deodorizing or opt for a deodorizer. Your rabbit’s bedding is the biggest expense in this category. You can also think of it as a preventive since a clean cage will reduce your bunny’s risk of infections.
| Litter | $5–$10/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $5/month |
| Bedding | $20–$50/month |
Entertainment
$0–$30 per month
It’s essential to provide toys for your rabbit. Rabbits need them for mental stimulation and to prevent boredom. They’re also necessary for good dental health. A bunny’s teeth keep growing its entire life. As you may surmise, it could lead to eating difficulties if left unchecked. You can offer your Giant Flemish household items like cardboard tubes, but you can also opt for fancy toys to treat your pet on occasion.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Giant Flemish Rabbit
$60–$250 per month
As you’ve seen, there’s a wide range of expenses. You also have a lot of control over what you pay. Food and bedding take up the largest chunk. We don’t recommend skimping on either of these fronts. Both play a direct role in your rabbit’s health, well-being, and quality of life. The good news is that you can also lavish as much attention and quality items on your Giant Flemish as you’d like.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Some expenses depend on your individual situation. For example, if you travel, you must find a pet sitter to take care of your Giant Flemish. That cost can vary if you want extended visits with playtime for your rabbit. Kids or a willing friend can make it a non-issue.
We included a carrier on our list of initial costs. It’s necessary for vet visits. We prefer products with a solid floor to make the experience less traumatic for your pet.
Owning a Giant Flemish Rabbit on a Budget
You can save money on some of your initial and monthly expenses with some ingenuity. For example, if you are a DIYer, you can design and construct a cage or hutch instead of buying one. We suggest searching online for plans that can help you make something suitable for your pet.
We also recommend making or buying a cage big enough for an adult Giant Flemish. It makes sense so that you don’t have to lay out the cash or do the work of assembling another one. Understanding the space you need to house a rabbit is imperative. Do your homework before you decide on this particular breed.
Saving Money on Giant Flemish Rabbit Care
You can save money on rabbit care by offering your pet fresh fruits and vegetables as treats instead of buying commercial products. Remember that they should make up less than 10% of the animal’s total daily caloric intake. You can give your bunny leftover produce to reduce your household’s food waste. Safe items you can offer your rabbit include the following:
- Raspberries
- Pears
- Melon
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
Conclusion
The initial cost is your biggest expense when getting a Giant Flemish or any pet. Many items are one-time expenses, particularly if you plan for the future. Researching the typical costs will save you a lot of hassle and avoid those nasty surprises.
Monthly costs also give you some latitude, particularly if you tap into your own food or let your rabbit recycle some of your paper products. The benefit of these choices is more opportunities for mental stimulation. Remember that rabbits are intelligent animals. It’s imperative for pet owners to provide enrichment for their rabbits, whether it’s more playtime or toys.
Featured Image Credit: hacksss, Shutterstock
