Move over Peter, Thumper, and Harvey, here comes Gunther
As Easter approaches, we have visions of colorful eggs and baby chicks, towering Easter lilies and — humongous rabbits like Gunther. Who’s Gunther? “He literally is the Easter Bunny,” Christanie Channell said of one of her Flemish giant rabbits that she raised in Hanson. Comparable to a midsize dog, Gunther is 2 years old, 3-feet-long and just over 20 pounds.
The Flemish giant and continental giant are the largest breed of domestic rabbits. A continental giant in England made the Guinness World Record weighing in at 48 pounds in 2021. Channell has 11 of the Flemish giants and six continental giants, and numerous newborns from breeding. Gunther, a breeding buck, and the father to many bunnies.
“They are so great as pets and can live outdoors in a pen with hay year-round.” she said.
Since she started breeding the rabbits in 2014, she has become the biggest breeder in the Northeast of these rabbits. She said Easter traditionally raises interest in people looking for an alternative to a dog or cat.
Her son, Hunter, 4, performs several chores, including gathering eggs and feeding alfalfa hay to the rabbits. But Hunter has become particularly fond of Gunther and often spends time with the gentle giant in a large barn. “It’s so cute watching them together.” she said as the two of them took a few laps in his child-size John Deere utility vehicle. The big surprise happened soon after: Hunter hoisted Gunther in his arms.
“He’s never done this before.” Channell said, grabbing her cellphone to take photos.