Angora Buns

[KytKattin]

Though there is a ban on any more animals coming into the household (excepting chickens), I still want to learn any and everything I can about angora rabbits as I one day (in the very distant future) plan to have one. First, I vaguely remember from a rabbit long ago that they have nice temperaments, and as much as I love Nova, I want a lap bunny too. Second, I want the fur to make scarves and hats from (shorn of course!). So my first question is where should I get one? I’m sure they go through the shelters sometimes and that would be my first choice, but if say I want a particular breed of angora, are there breed specific rabbit rescues? Plus gender is important, as should I still have Nova I would prefer a male.

Does fixing them (as would be necessary) hinder their fur production or make it more consistent like goats?

I’m already aware of the heightened risk of impaction from hair in Angoras, are there any other common health problems specific to the breed?

Pulling, combing, or shearing, which do rabbits typically tolerate best?

How long does the fur have to grow out before it can be cut and spun and how long does it take to reach that point?

Thank you so much for any help!

[bunnytowne]

Oh I have wanted an angora too.   Fixing them I don’t know about it hindering their wool prodution.    2   no other problems that I know of     3 depends on the type of angora you get.  Germans their hair grows n grows so you would probably shear them.  However in researching them I also read that they can calmly sit in your lap while you spin    4 how long it has to be not sure

there are good websites about angoras and spinning let me find you some. 

[bunnytowne]

Hey I am in some angora groups on yahoo groups.   one is   angora_rabbit_pet   another is     angora rabbit list     I know there are yahoo groups you can ask and learn and get information on how to spin where to get the equipment and they also know which buns are best for spinning and which produce more wool.   You can go to yahoo groups and put in angora rabbit     and spinning and find some good groups that will help you along as you gather information.

I know German angoras have the most wool and when it is mixed and spun with satin angoras it is beautiful has a nice sheen to it.  However Satins alone are not good for spinning cause their hair only gets about 6 inches. Yeah go there to the groups    Oh I would love an angora too. But not now

[JK]

Not sure where you are located but SaveABunny in Mill Valley, CA has a beautiful Angora! 

Algernon

 

Algernon (boy)

Status: Available

Shelter of Origin: San Francisco Animal Care and Control

Hi! My name is Algernon and I am an EXQUISITELY HANDSOME neutered, purebred Red Satin Angora. The only reason I mention that I am a fancy “purebred” is that many people think that they need to go to a breeder or pet store to get a specific breed of bunny, but actually only any type of rabbit you want can usually be found in rescue or at shelters. You’ll save money and also save lives by adopting, not buying.

I am a very happy, outgoing and active boy who craves attention. I’m comical, sort of nosey about what’s going on around me, and basically a really fun, great bunny. If you knit or spin, my fur will make beautiful fiber—especially when you lovingly and tenderly groom me.

What’s important to remember is that I MUST be groomed daily or my fur gets very matted. I arrived at San Francisco Animal Care and Control very matted, because my human could no longer care for me and I needed to be shaved and get extensive clean-up grooming.My fur will be stunning soon.

I am such a character that I will make you laugh with my antics as you “ooh and ahh” over my silky fur and good looks.

I’m currently being housed at SaveABunny waiting to be adopted.

Please tell me more about: Algernon
(Click Here!)

Sponsor Algernon
(Click Here!)

[rabbitgeek]

Spaying or neutering an angora won’t affect the wool growth much. It will still grow wool.

Have to say that angoras, like any other animal, will each have their own personalities. Some are real sweethearts and others are vicious. And some rabbits just don’t like some people. Can’t always tell why.

We learned to spin angora and we love the Satin Angora. Anything longer than 3 inch is suitable for spinning, 4 to 6 inch is great. We use the yarn to knit things with the Knifty Knitter knitting looms, which are like spool knitting on a big ring. We’ve done this for years.

Satin Angora is a prime exotic fiber with a very pretty sheen due to the structure of the fiber.

We find shearing works best for our rabbits. When they start to molt, it doesn’t molt all at once, so they are grooming and swallowing long wool all that time. We remove wool with scissors, like giving it a haircut, and we save the wool for spinning. Now the rabbit is not swallowing all that long wool, it can grow a new coat and we can spin the wool.

Some people pluck the wool. This can be very time consuming and if we pluck too early, it can damage the skin and hurt the rabbit. We find the shearing works best.

We’ve had french angoras, english angoras, german angoras, giant angoras but now we only keep satin angoras because we like the wool. We learned a lot on yahoogroups, try the angorarabbitlist on yahoogroups.

Have a good day!

[KytKattin]

Thanks for all the info! An angora isn’t the right fit for me at the time (though I suppose if Algernon was closer he’d probably already be living with me). With school I don’t have the time to take care of a rabbit with extra grooming needs. I will certainly adopt one in the (distant) future though as they sound like awesome rabbits.

[Beka27]

i wonder if there is a difference in wool production betw/ the sexes? ya know how in some animals males or females have brighter colors, or different consistencies of fur…? that would be something to figure out too for the future…

[KytKattin]

Well if they’re like goats where the wethers (neutered males) produce the best wool then a rabbit like Algernon would be ideal. It makes sense that a fixed animal produces a better product though, as they aren’t putting nutrients and energy towards reproducing.

[bunnytowne]

Oh you just dont’ know how bad I want an angora.  Hubby is in tampa and there is a breeder there.  However with 3 buns I can’t take on another especially one with such special grooming needs. So that is just going to have to wait here too. OH I love Albernon is that his name. OHhh what a beauty. 

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