NorthCountryFaire

Angora — soft, luxurious angora is warmer than sheep’s wool with a beautiful fuzzy halo and is my favorite fiber to work with. I had angora rabbits before any of my other farm animals. Angora is the first fiber I ever spun. That is how I learned to spin — angora combed from my rabbits on a Turkish drop spindle. Inspite of the myriad animals that have “angora” in front of their names or discription, angora fiber only comes from rabbits. There are different kinds of angora rabbits: English, French, satin and German/giant — each possessing characteristics that make them unique. Angora fiber is usually harvested during grooming as angoras shed a lot and naturally blow their coats (molt) a couple of times year depending on the rabbit. Angora fiber may also be harvested by shearing rabbits with scissors. Due to their long coats, angoras need extra care. If not properly cared for their fur becomes matted. Like cats, rabbits may accumulate hair balls from grooming themselves. Unlike cats, rabbits lack a gag reflex. The hair may become blocked in the intestine. This is called wool block. Currently, my small rabbit herd consists of satin, and French angoras. Satin angoras are a rare breed that produce a fine, soft fleece with a beautiful shimmer. French angoras produce more fiber than satin angoras and have more guard hair, which makes their long coats more manageable. I had one spring litter this year. They are satin x French. The satinized gene is recessive; so these bunnies will have the appearance of a French angora. However, If they were bred to a pure satin angora rabbit the chance of the kits being satinized would be 50%. If bred to a satin x French angora the chance of the kits being satinized would be 25%. I have four rabbits left for sale: two bucks and two does. Anyone interested in these rabbits may contact me at: northcountryfaire@ymail.com