Rabbitosis... angora edition

[Deer Heart]

I decided I wanted more than just NZW...
I swore when I got them that was it. But now I have fallen in love with the English Angora (I even love the way they look after being clipped). They have the pop of color I am dying for while supplying me with a new material to play with, while still providing all of the "old" kind . I decided the work that goes into them while a lot, I am willing to do provided I limit myself to 2, maximum 3 and preferably kept them indoors (I even made a special grooming kit for them at this time). I have decided for certain to shop for a doe and a buck, preferably juniors. I would like some interesting colors but would like the wool to remain a color that is very dye-able while still throwing a nice variety of kits.

I haven't been able to find any ads for them in my area, so I was thinking of seriously looking at stock when I attend the local rabbit show coming up. All I know right now is I decided I really like the looks of this breed, I do not yet have the ARBA standard of perfection, though I ordered one (I just do not think it will get here in time for the show due to holidays) and would really like to;
A) Stick with already pedigreed buns as I may keep one back for show in the future (any specific faults I should really look for in the parentstock?)
B) Any breed specific signs that should send off warning bells other than basic eyes/ears/nose/mouth/forearms? I know of poopchains, but anything else?
C) Any specialized suggestions to their care? I have researched till I thought my head was going to pop but it is always to the benefit of all to never stop learning.

 

[Random Rabbit]

If there is any way to locate a dedicated breeder of English Angoras... it will greatly benefit You in the long run.
EAs are a lot of work... and if coat care is not done correctly... can become a horrible mess.
Not certain what part of the country You are in... there are quite a few very good breeders scattered around.
They ( the Good breeders) will ask You a lot of questions.. and might not sell to You right away. Most are very protective of the breed and have seen too many instances where a person had no clue what to do, and they ( the Good breeders) had to clean up the rabbit.

Good luck on Your search.

 

[imajpm]

If your going to do English, then take your time finding a breeder and hunt one down who breeds low maintenance English. They do exist. I think people have just got it in their heads that the wool on English is high maintenance and don't even attempt to breed for easy care coats. They are lovely rabbits.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I do not yet have the ARBA standard of perfection, though I ordered one (I just do not think it will get here in time for the show due to holidays)

Just about everyone at the show will have a copy, so no worries there. You can also ask a judge to evaluate any buns that you are considering prior to purchasing them. I would also talk to multiple breeders- most are very willing to help out someone new.

Usually you will find all of "the woolers" grouped together somewhere near an entrance since they need to blow out their rabbits and have to do so outdoors. Plus, they are a close knit (pun intended!) group anyway.

 

[skysthelimit]

If you are spinning, You might want to think about the difference between English that are pluckable (they exist) and most show English that do not molt and are sheared.

Show English that do not molt only get one show coat. The fiber grows so long, that the color fades and over time, it loses color. Think of it like when a human goes gray, the follicles stop producing color. On an Angora, the follicles also only produce so much color, and after growing a 10 inch show coat, successive coats fade and the follicle is not renewed like a molting rabbit would (hope I explained that right). There is a longer explanation, but just saying that if you get one with a really vibrant color you like, you will only ever see that color on a jr or first sr coat, never as vibrant again. This happens also with all rabbits (genetic faders common in blacks and blues especially) also woolers like my Woolies and French, I never get a black or Fawn as vibrant as the first coat, but at least true molters will get successive coats that have decent color.

 

[furtoplease]

Also, you don't have to worry about the color not being dye-able. I haven't tried it with my own yet, but I know people with black angoras who dye the wool just fine. I think it even looks more vibrant than the dyed white!

 

[skysthelimit]

Also, you don't have to worry about the color not being dye-able. I haven't tried it with my own yet, but I know people with black angoras who dye the wool just fine. I think it even looks more vibrant than the dyed white!

True enough. Black angora is not really "black", it varies from a dark silver grey to white, depending on the place in the cycle it is harvested. Over dyes quite well. English fiber will have a slightly matted look (glossy photo vs matt photo finish) with Satin being the shiniest and everyone else in between.

 

[TF3]

Following with curiosity!
I am allergic to rabbits, but adapting to mine. I couldn't risk the trouble with the handling of angora fiber, though (nor do I want the work LOL)
But I am a dyer

 

[skysthelimit]

Following with curiosity!
I am allergic to rabbits, but adapting to mine. I couldn't risk the trouble with the handling of angora fiber, though (nor do I want the work LOL)
But I am a dyer

Maybe try it washed to remove the dander?