How to Tell the Difference Between a Male & Female Flemish Giant

Whether you have a single Flemish Giant rabbit, a pair or more, you may want to learn how to tell boys and girls apart. This process is called sexing, and it is not very difficult to do, depending on how well the rabbit trusts you. You may want to ask a friend to help you if the rabbit you are sexing is especially large. It is best to be soothing yet quick when performing this test, but it is important not to startle your rabbit as you do it.

Things You'll Need

  • Flemish Giant rabbit(s)
  • Towel (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Soothe your Flemish Giant and get it to trust you well enough to let you pick it up. Some rabbits like being held, whereas others are skittish. This may take more time than actually performing the test, but it is worthwhile. It is much easier and safer to examine a rabbit who is calm than one who is terrified.

    • 2

      Flip your Flemish Giant onto its back carefully. Make sure to hold it firmly. All rabbits (not just Flemish Giants) can easily break their backs if they are allowed to kick and squirm a lot with their powerful hind legs. You may want to ask a friend to help you with this part, especially in the case of a very large rabbit.

    • 3

      Examine the vent of your rabbit, which is found down under its butt, not far from the tail. On an unneutered male who is not very young, you may see testicles on either side. These are a dead giveaway that your rabbit is male. They may, however, be covered with fur, so you may need to feel with your hand to see if they are there. If your rabbit is very young, they may not be immediately evident even if your rabbit is male.

    • 4

      Press down in the middle of the vent. Do not press too hard, or you will hurt your rabbit. You may want to warm your hands first so as not to startle your rabbit.

    • 5

      Examine what pops out of the top of the vent. You will see a protruding bit of flesh from both sexes, which can be confusing at first. This protrusion also will look different depending on your rabbit̵7;s age. Generally, on females, this can be pink or red and will always have a slit in it. On males, although the shape of the tube may change as they age, there is always some sort of tube with no slit whatsoever.