The Belgian Hare, a fancy domesticated rabbit, is the result of selective breeding. Belgian Hares look like wild hares, but they are also intelligent and skittish. The Belgian Hare is popular because of its intelligence and attractive appearance.
Belgian Hares, like any pet, require special care and attention. Read on if you’re thinking of getting a Belgian Hare. This guide will tell you everything you need about the Belgian Hare breed. Let us get started.
Quick facts about Belgian Hares
| Species Name: | Belgian Hare Rabbit |
| Family: | Leporidae |
| Care Level | For Beginners |
| Temperature: | All climates. Avoid extreme heat or humidity. |
| Temperament: | Nervous, active, intelligent |
| Color Form: | Black, |
| Lifespan: | 7 to 7 Years |
| Size: | Large (6 to 9 lbs. |
| Diet: | Water, 70% hay, 30% vegetables, fruits, and pellets |
| Minimum Enclosure Size: | 24 x 60x 24 in. |
| Attachment Set-up: | An outdoor enclosure with nesting, litterbox, and an eating area |
| Compatibility: | This product is suitable for large outdoor enclosures in homes. It is not recommended for small homes or indoor captivity. |
Belgian Hare Overview
The Belgian Hare was carefully bred to look just like a wild hare. This rabbit breed is distinguished by its long legs and distinctive appearance. Although this rabbit is very attractive, its original purpose was to provide a meat source.
They were popularized in Europe and America due to their unique personality and spirit. They are now more popular as pets and show animals, but they are still used for meat.
Belgian Hares can be found in a variety of breeds, but they are not very common. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy considers a purebred Belgian Hare endangered.
Belgian Hares, in general, are a wonderful pet breed. Belgian Hares are the only domesticated rabbit breed with a chestnut or rich red coat. This means that this rabbit is a standout among other rabbit pets. They can also respond to their calls and will eat food.
Belgian rabbits are usually active and sweet so you can have some fun. However, some are more nervous than others. They are wonderful pet because of their playful nature.
Belgian Hares, aside from their spirited and attractive nature, are easy to care for. Belgian Hares will require more care than other pets, but they are easier to take care of.
What is the cost of Belgian Hares?
Belgian Hares are more expensive than other domestic pets because they are more sought-after breeds of rabbits. Belgian Hares can be found for as low as $150 to $500. You may have to pay more if you choose a Hare from an established breeder.
You will need to spend between $20 and $25 per month for food and litter in addition to the cost to buy the Belgian Hare. This does not include vaccinations and fees as well as any accessories like toys.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Belgian Hares can be considered intelligent and active rabbits. Belgian Hares can respond to their names and will almost always be on the move.
Their temperament can be a little bit temperamental. They aren’t aggressive but can kick if handled incorrectly.
They are energetic and have a nervous temperament which makes them ideal for outdoor living. However, they wouldn’t be the best fit for apartment living.
Appearance and Varieties
The Belgian Hare is unique in its appearance. This animal is not a rabbit but is bred to look just like a hare. The breed is usually large and weighs 7 to 8 pounds.
The Belgian Hare is characterized by a slim, fine-boned body with strong legs and agile feet. The forefeet of the Belgian Hare are flat and straight, while the arched back and hind feet are prominent because of the round hindquarter. The Belgian Hare is a racehorse among rabbits because of its hare-like appearance.
Belgian Hares have a face that is longer than most rabbits. They also have large, straight ears. They can have a more distinctive look, even when they are not looking directly at you.
Belgian Hares resemble wild hares more than their bodies. Their coats are closer to that of a hare than a rabbit. You can find them in many colors with black ticking. The coats of most Belgian Hares are black, red, chestnut, tan, chestnut, and black and tan.
How to Care for Belgian Hares
Habitat, Closure Conditions & Setup
Habitat
Belgian Hares can be larger than rabbits and require large enclosures. A Belgian Hare needs a minimum of 24x60x24 inches for their enclosure. The cage must be larger if the Belgian Hare becomes pregnant.
It is best if the enclosure has an outside area. Belgian Hares love to run. Their enclosure should be an indoor one. They will not have enough space to jump and hop if they are in an enclosed cage. Indoor Belgian Hares are not recommended.
You must ensure that your Belgian Hare is kept safe from predators if you keep it outside. A cage should be lifted from the ground and covered with fine mesh. This will prevent predators from getting to the rabbit.
No matter whether your Belgian Hare is housed inside or out, their enclosure should be large enough to allow them to move freely and to separate the food from the litter.
Attachment
The enclosure should contain three areas. One for eating, one to nest, and one to go to the toilet. It will be quite simple to set up the eating area. You will need a small tray to hold food and water. It should be kept out of the litter.
The nesting area is simply a space that is away from the toilet area. It is best to choose an enclosure that has a latch, so they can learn their nesting place. The litter area is the third section. Belgian Hares can be trained to go potty. This area can be cleaned easily with litter shavings.
Temperature
Belgian Hares can be kept in any environment, just like other rabbit breeds. However, they should not be kept in extreme heat or humidity. It is best to keep them in cool environments.
Accessory
Make sure toys are placed in their enclosure. Belgian Hares require a lot of mental stimulation. You can keep them busy with PVC tubing, hardwood, and golf balls.
Are Belgian Hares able to get along with other pets?
Belgian Hares don’t get along well with other pets because they are prey animals like rabbits. Although they won’t fight any other animal, their nervous nature makes them less suitable for other animals. They will hide and stress out.
The Belgian Hare should not be paired up with cats, dogs, or other predators. You can however pair the Belgian Hares with other rabbits. Be careful not to have unwanted babies.
You should keep your Belgian Hare inside an enclosure. However, other pets can be kept with your rabbit as long as they are separate. You should ensure that predatory animals and the Hare are kept apart in a safe enclosure.
How to feed your Belgian Hare
Many people mistakenly believe that Belgian Hares eat a different diet from other rabbits because they are so large. It is false. As with all rabbits, Belgian Hares need to have access to quality hay and fresh water.
Hay should make up 70% of their daily diet. Hay helps ensure that their digestive system is functioning properly. There are many hay options, but Timothy Hay is the best. Timothy Hay can be found at most major supermarket chains and pet shops.
Their diet is 30% made up of pellets, vegetables, and fruits. They get all the vitamins and minerals they need by balancing their intake of vegetables and fruits.
Your Belgian Hare should not be given pellets or vegetables all the time. Instead, limit their access to these foods for dinner. This will allow them to receive their nutrients and still eat hay.
Not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for rabbits. For example, iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value and can cause rabbits diarrhea. Iceberg lettuce is not recommended for Belgian Hares.
Other fruits and vegetables should be eaten in moderation. Tuberous vegetables like carrots and high-sugar fruits like apples can be fed occasionally, but not every day.
How to Keep Your Belgian Hare Healthy
Belgian Hares can be very easy to maintain their health. They are able to get the exercise they need because they can be active all by themselves. You don’t have to do much grooming.
There are several ways you can make sure your Belgian Hare is as healthy and happy as possible. You must ensure that they have access to water, hay and occasionally vegetables.
Also, ensure your Belgian Hare has plenty of space to move around. They will be restricted from exercising and running around if they are kept in a small enclosure.
You should also make sure that they are free of ear mites, and flystrike. Flies that lay eggs in their fur are known as flystrike. If you suspect any of these problems, take your Belgian Hare to see a vet. Also, make sure to give your Belgian Hare deworming tablets every spring and fall.
Remember that rabbits never stop growing their teeth. To keep their teeth clean, give them something to chew.
Breeding
Belgian Hares reproduce in the summer like other rabbits. You will need to provide them with more light if you plan to breed them during the summer. A larger cage is necessary for pregnant rabbits. Make sure you have one.
Belgian Hares can be bred by bringing the doe with you to the buck. Does are very protective of their environment and will prefer to see the buck outside their enclosure than mating. It is a smart idea to keep an eye on the does and buck as the mat.
If the doe and buck don’t mate in 10 minutes, you can take them out of their enclosure and reintroduce them once they have settled. This may be necessary several times until the doe gets the buck. The average litter size is between 4-8 kittens.
Are Belgian Hares Suitable for You?
Belgian Hares, a fancy and beautiful breed of rabbit, is loved by many people. These rabbits aren’t for everyone, despite their beautiful appearance. These rabbits need a lot of space in order to roam and live.
This rabbit breed is perfect for those who have large outdoor enclosures that are suitable for Belgian Hares. You can give your rabbits the space they need for a happy, healthy life.
You should avoid choosing a Belgian Hare if you live in an apartment that doesn’t allow them to roam freely. Because they are larger than other rabbits, they require a large outdoor enclosure.
Belgian Hares, aside from the large enclosure outside, are easy to care for and shouldn’t pose a problem. Keep them away from other animals and make sure they get the right food.
Are you interested in learning more about the different types of rabbits?
What do Belgian Hare rabbits do?
The Belgian Hare is a domestic rabbit breed that was designed to look like a wild hare. They were primarily bred as a meat breed in the 18th century, but they also make excellent pets and show rabbits.
What are some interesting Belgian Hare facts?
The Belgian Hare is frivolous”
What are three fascinating hare facts?
Fast facts: They can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Hares may be found in Africa, Eurasia, North America, and Japan. Hares are herbivores (they exclusively consume plants), and the grass is their preferred meal
What makes hares unique?
Hares are bigger than rabbits, with longer ears, and black patterns on their coats. Hares, like other leporids, have unusual jointed, or dynamic, skulls. They have 48 chromosomes to rabbits’ 44. Hares have never been domesticated, but rabbits are both produced for food and kept as pets.
What are three intriguing rabbit facts?
Interesting Rabbit Facts Bunnies may occasionally bounce about and flick their heads and feet to demonstrate their delight. A female rabbit is known as a “doe,” and a male rabbit is known as a “buck.” A bunny’s large ears aren’t simply for hearing!… AND those incredible ears can be spun almost completely around to 270 degrees.
What is the Belgian Hare’s history?
The Belgian Hare may be traced back to the “leporine,” which was produced in the early 18th century in Flanders, eastern Europe, by selective breeding of domestic and wild European rabbits. Mr. W. Lumb and his brother-in-law Mr. W. Lumb brought leporines from Belgium and Germany to England in the 1870s.
What is the significance of the name hare?
Though the terms hare and rabbit are commonly used interchangeably, there are variations in biology and vocabulary. A “jackrabbit” is a hare, while a “swamp hare” is a rabbit. Hare is derived from the Old English word for “gray.” In the 14th century, the word rabbit was borrowed from the French.
Why is the hare considered sacred?
The Hare’s Religious Role The hare has played a variety of fascinating ceremonial and religious roles throughout history. During the Neolithic period in Europe, hares were ritually buried with people. This has been regarded by archaeologists as a religious ceremony, with hares signifying rebirth.
What does a mountain hare represent?
The hare has frequently depicted in Pagan, Saxon, and Druidic symbology. sure, the spring goddess who inspired the name Easter, is frequently represented with hares, which symbolize rebirth, fertility, and the return of summer fruitfulness.
Belgian Hares live for how long?
Unfortunately, in the United States, Belgian Hares are only available in one approved hue, ruddy, and are suffering from inbreeding. Their longevity in Europe remains the longest of any rabbit breed, at 7-10 years, whereas it is actually shorter in the United States, at roughly 3-4 years.