Finally got my belgian hares...

[Jackie]

after years of wanting some, a year of talking about actually getting some and months and months of working with a breeder I actually imported 3 belgian hares to Canada from the US. I drove down myself and got them on the weekend and it wasn't really that far. The breeder was up at a show and agreed to come a bit farther north and meet me. They are home now and settled in nice. I got a buck and two does. One doe was born in March, the buck and the other doe were born in may. All unrelated. They have all been shown and one has a 'leg'...I need to figure this all out because I want to show them too. Pretty excited about all this...and excited I am allowed to keep them in the house! I have a very understanding fiance. (the rest of my rabbits are in a barn).


Here is a link to them and an angry cat...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=69380b6219

[Serena]

OH man... you better keep us updated on every detail good and bad! haha. I have wanted them for years but havent quite worked up the courage. I finally got an English Lop a couple weeks ago... another want that I kept putting off..... No one here raises them, they sure are beautiful animals.

[SilverFlame819]

Oh, man, I just don't think I'd ever be willing to commit to a Belgian. It would be like having a house full of guinea pigs. They're nice, but a lot of work!

[Jackie]

Originally Posted by SilverFlame819

Oh, man, I just don't think I'd ever be willing to commit to a Belgian. It would be like having a house full of guinea pigs. They're nice, but a lot of work!

My plan is to litter train them so its less work. See how that goes. I dont plan on having more than three until at least spring.

[Jackie]

Originally Posted by Serena

OH man... you better keep us updated on every detail good and bad! haha. I have wanted them for years but havent quite worked up the courage. I finally got an English Lop a couple weeks ago... another want that I kept putting off..... No one here raises them, they sure are beautiful animals.

Alright...the good...

they were VERY calm and ate and drank just fine over the 3 days it took me to get home.
They have not had a panic attack and raced around in their cages at back breaking speed like so many sites/books warn. Even when events accidentally occurred that would even make my mini lops do that.
The little buck is a real sweet heart and likes to be held and cuddled.
None of them kick and fuss when you pick them up


The bad...

The older doe is REALLY cranky and I am scared to feed her. lol! She would really like a boyfriend. But once I get my hands on her she is fine and I can pick her up without her struggling.


The Truth...

They really are constantly in motion. I have a litter box in the bucks cage and he moved it the middle and spends hours jumping back and forth over it.
I had them in my bedroom (its a huge room) for ONE night and the constant moving, chewing, digging etc was way way too much. Ugh never again.
I haven't seen them sleep or hardly even rest. No wonder they stay so lean and trim!
And if you ever saw how LONG their back toes are you would very quickly see why they can possibly be on wire. Their back toes are really freakishly long and thin.
Their legs are very very thin and fine and I am sure it would take nothing for them to break a leg.
They really are the most gorgeous rabbits I have ever seen and they make the other rabbits I own look almost goofy.

[oregon woodsmok]

What pretty rabbits, Jackie.

Years ago, I had a Belgian Hare and she was a doll. She had the loveliest temperament, which is why I kept her.

I bred her to my Californian buck and you'd be surprised what good meat bunnies she produced. She was a great mother and her babies all had excellent temperaments.

If I wanted to keep a rabbit just as a pet or just for their looks, it would be the Belgian Hare. I love the way that they look.

[MaggieJ]

Wow, Jackie, how exciting! Hope they do very well for you. That doe will likely calm down some once she is bred.

[Backfourty,MI.]

They are really beautiful & cool looking buns & I love the cat too!

[Falls-Acre]

Congrats! I raise Hares too. I was also concerned about their being a lot more work than other rabbits, but they aren't really. The poor temperament of the one isn't a good sign, this is generally a fairly laid-back breed. Watch the youngsters from that one, never keep a baby with the same temperament as her, and I'd try to replace her with a daughter as soon as you are able.

[CamilleTB]

Hi!
I just saw your post. You're saying that you imported three belgian hare in Canada.
I'm living in Montreal, and I want to adopt one. I was thinking, maybe I could find some in Ontario. What do you think?
Where did you get yours exactly?
I have a car I don't mind to drive, but I don't want to do 800 km.

Thanks for helping me!

Camille

[Wolfy-hound]

I know this is almost 2 years old, but I'd love more info on Belgian hares from someone who owns, breeds and knows them.

The pictures are of some VERY gorgeous hares! Wow!