P.O. Box 1752 Rockland, Maine 04841 (207) 594-9455
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Spin the Bunny
By Kirsten Kraushaar
With a personality as captivating as its amazing wool, the Angora rabbit enjoys a colorful history and a well deserved place in modern culture as a prolific producer of some of the finest fiber on earth.
The Angora rabbit's history can be traced to Ankara, Turkey. Angora goats and Angora cats are also originally from this region. Initially worshipped as a god by the Babylonians, and later seen as pets in the homes of French aristocrats, the Angora rabbit of today can be found on fiber farms and in small city apartments, tended by breeders focusing on show animals or cared for by handspinners who lovingly harvest the wool for personal consumption. To many people, the Angora rabbit is a mysterious creature upon first meeting. Few non-fiber folks know that Angora sweaters actually come from this beautiful animal, and ever fewer understand how the wool is actually harvested and processed.
Because these rabbits enchant practically anyone, from small child to skeptical adult, they make for a wonderful teacher. Docile and curious, an Angora can easily be taken to classrooms, fairs and other events. They willingly demonstrate their wool producing capacity to an audience. A bunny sitting on the lap of a handspinner while the wheel turns fiber into warm, soft yarn is a delight sight to see!
Our farm is home to 15 Angora rabbits. We raise French and satin Angoras; there are also English, as well as German and Giant varieties, too. Each type of Angora has its own merits. Our rabbits are conditioned to blow their coats (molt) every 14 weeks or so, but German and Giant Angoras do not molt, and must be shorn with scissors or clippers.
Depending on the breed, a single rabbit can produce between one and a half pounds to four or five pounds a year, which is plenty of fiber to make a sweater. Not bad for a ten pound creature! The fiber is exceptionally light and soft, with an average micron count between 6 and 15. A little goes a long way, and the prime harvest can be sold raw for $5 - $7 per ounce with unlimited opportunity for value added products. Because of its fineness, Angora makes wonderfully dense felt, suitable for hats and mittens that are exceptionally warm. Blending it with other luxury fibers such as alpaca, merino, silk and mohair is common, with each yarn blend bringing out a different quality of the Angora.
Our rabbits play an important role as teachers. We host a variety of fiber arts classes for children both at our farm and away, and the rabbits take center stage at most events.
When the Angora's coat is at prime, wisps of fiber will begin to separate from the follicles. Shortly thereafter, the entire coat will release. Angora fiber can be harvested by plucking (gently pulling it from the rabbit in small clumps) or shearing. The fiber does not need to be washed before processing, and can be stored in any lidded container or spun directly from the rabbit. A second coat has usually begun growing under the 3-5 inches of harvested fiber, but a newly plucked Angora can look quite naked and unsightly for a while! Most Angora rabbits enjoy being handled, and will sit quite still for the plucking process. Some will even lie quite contentedly on their backs while having have their tummies done. The fiber is utilized according to grade, and different parts of the rabbit's coat will have distinct qualities. The longest staple length, or grade one, can be used for spinning 100% Angora yarn, while shorter fiber from the legs, tummy and sometimes neck is better suited for felting or blending.
Caring for Angora rabbits is cyclical in nature. There will be times when having rabbits will be labor intensive, and other periods when food and a little cuddling is all they require. While the Angora seems to be a wonderful children's pet, it is imperative that an adult be involved with its care. Some Angora wool mats easily, so regular brushing and/or blowing (with a commercial blower or high powered hair dryer) is important. Loose wool in the coat can be ingested by the rabbit, creating wool block (much like hair balls for a cat). Rabbits cannot easily rid themselves of wool block, and special preventive care must be taken through feeding and grooming to avert the condition. In order for a rabbit to produce the necessary intestinal enzymes to properly digest the wool, a varied diet of hay, fresh papaya (or papaya pellets, found in the vitamin section of many stores) and pineapple, birdseed and rabbit pellets is recommended. Like other rabbits, Angoras enjoy occasional treats such as carrot tops, dandelion leaves and fresh alfalfa. Mine enjoy dried cranberries and bananas, too. But always remember that new foods should be introduced gradually.
Angora rabbits are also susceptible to fur mites, which can easily eat their way through and destroy a rabbit's entire harvest. There are several methods of prevention, including oral or subcutaneous injection of Ivermectin, but these are both considered off-label usage and should not be done without the appropriate consultation with a veterinarian. In fact, very few pharmacological products are approved for use in rabbits, and some flea products developed for dogs can be deadly. (Frontline packaging specifically cautions against use in rabbits.)
Angora breeders are a helpful group and enjoy teaching new owners how to care for their new spinning companion. Shop around for a breeder you feel comfortable with and who seems open to an ongoing relationship. Inevitably there will be questions that arise during the initial phases, and you want the voice of experience to be within an easy grasp. The internet is a useful tool, as well, and there are many Angora rabbit clubs across the country. The National Angora Breeder's Club is an excellent resource and can be found on the web at www.narbc.org, in addition to the International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders at www.iagarb.org
Whether you decide to have several Angoras in your fiber farm and choose to enter the world of breeding and showing, or simply find the perfect bunny to keep as a handspinner's pet, the world of Angora rabbits offers something for everyone. May your plucking be plentiful, your spinning be joyful, and your rabbits be delightful.
Kirsten and Brad Kraushaar live in Minnesota with three daughters, 14 alpacas, 15 Angoras and three Great Pyrenees (also spinnable!) They can be reached at SoulfoodAlpacas@aol.com.
copyright Wild Fibers Magazine, 2004. May not be reprinted without permission.
Contact: Linda Cortright, Editor - Wild Fibers Magazine
P.O. Box 1752, Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-9455
By Kirsten Kraushaar
With a personality as captivating as its amazing wool, the Angora rabbit enjoys a colorful history and a well deserved place in modern culture as a prolific producer of some of the finest fiber on earth.
The Angora rabbit's history can be traced to Ankara, Turkey. Angora goats and Angora cats are also originally from this region. Initially worshipped as a god by the Babylonians, and later seen as pets in the homes of French aristocrats, the Angora rabbit of today can be found on fiber farms and in small city apartments, tended by breeders focusing on show animals or cared for by handspinners who lovingly harvest the wool for personal consumption. To many people, the Angora rabbit is a mysterious creature upon first meeting. Few non-fiber folks know that Angora sweaters actually come from this beautiful animal, and ever fewer understand how the wool is actually harvested and processed.
Because these rabbits enchant practically anyone, from small child to skeptical adult, they make for a wonderful teacher. Docile and curious, an Angora can easily be taken to classrooms, fairs and other events. They willingly demonstrate their wool producing capacity to an audience. A bunny sitting on the lap of a handspinner while the wheel turns fiber into warm, soft yarn is a delight sight to see!
Our farm is home to 15 Angora rabbits. We raise French and satin Angoras; there are also English, as well as German and Giant varieties, too. Each type of Angora has its own merits. Our rabbits are conditioned to blow their coats (molt) every 14 weeks or so, but German and Giant Angoras do not molt, and must be shorn with scissors or clippers.
Depending on the breed, a single rabbit can produce between one and a half pounds to four or five pounds a year, which is plenty of fiber to make a sweater. Not bad for a ten pound creature! The fiber is exceptionally light and soft, with an average micron count between 6 and 15. A little goes a long way, and the prime harvest can be sold raw for $5 - $7 per ounce with unlimited opportunity for value added products. Because of its fineness, Angora makes wonderfully dense felt, suitable for hats and mittens that are exceptionally warm. Blending it with other luxury fibers such as alpaca, merino, silk and mohair is common, with each yarn blend bringing out a different quality of the Angora.
Our rabbits play an important role as teachers. We host a variety of fiber arts classes for children both at our farm and away, and the rabbits take center stage at most events.
When the Angora's coat is at prime, wisps of fiber will begin to separate from the follicles. Shortly thereafter, the entire coat will release. Angora fiber can be harvested by plucking (gently pulling it from the rabbit in small clumps) or shearing. The fiber does not need to be washed before processing, and can be stored in any lidded container or spun directly from the rabbit. A second coat has usually begun growing under the 3-5 inches of harvested fiber, but a newly plucked Angora can look quite naked and unsightly for a while! Most Angora rabbits enjoy being handled, and will sit quite still for the plucking process. Some will even lie quite contentedly on their backs while having have their tummies done. The fiber is utilized according to grade, and different parts of the rabbit's coat will have distinct qualities. The longest staple length, or grade one, can be used for spinning 100% Angora yarn, while shorter fiber from the legs, tummy and sometimes neck is better suited for felting or blending.
Caring for Angora rabbits is cyclical in nature. There will be times when having rabbits will be labor intensive, and other periods when food and a little cuddling is all they require. While the Angora seems to be a wonderful children's pet, it is imperative that an adult be involved with its care. Some Angora wool mats easily, so regular brushing and/or blowing (with a commercial blower or high powered hair dryer) is important. Loose wool in the coat can be ingested by the rabbit, creating wool block (much like hair balls for a cat). Rabbits cannot easily rid themselves of wool block, and special preventive care must be taken through feeding and grooming to avert the condition. In order for a rabbit to produce the necessary intestinal enzymes to properly digest the wool, a varied diet of hay, fresh papaya (or papaya pellets, found in the vitamin section of many stores) and pineapple, birdseed and rabbit pellets is recommended. Like other rabbits, Angoras enjoy occasional treats such as carrot tops, dandelion leaves and fresh alfalfa. Mine enjoy dried cranberries and bananas, too. But always remember that new foods should be introduced gradually.
Angora rabbits are also susceptible to fur mites, which can easily eat their way through and destroy a rabbit's entire harvest. There are several methods of prevention, including oral or subcutaneous injection of Ivermectin, but these are both considered off-label usage and should not be done without the appropriate consultation with a veterinarian. In fact, very few pharmacological products are approved for use in rabbits, and some flea products developed for dogs can be deadly. (Frontline packaging specifically cautions against use in rabbits.)
Angora breeders are a helpful group and enjoy teaching new owners how to care for their new spinning companion. Shop around for a breeder you feel comfortable with and who seems open to an ongoing relationship. Inevitably there will be questions that arise during the initial phases, and you want the voice of experience to be within an easy grasp. The internet is a useful tool, as well, and there are many Angora rabbit clubs across the country. The National Angora Breeder's Club is an excellent resource and can be found on the web at www.narbc.org, in addition to the International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders at www.iagarb.org
Whether you decide to have several Angoras in your fiber farm and choose to enter the world of breeding and showing, or simply find the perfect bunny to keep as a handspinner's pet, the world of Angora rabbits offers something for everyone. May your plucking be plentiful, your spinning be joyful, and your rabbits be delightful.
Kirsten and Brad Kraushaar live in Minnesota with three daughters, 14 alpacas, 15 Angoras and three Great Pyrenees (also spinnable!) They can be reached at SoulfoodAlpacas@aol.com.
copyright Wild Fibers Magazine, 2004. May not be reprinted without permission.
Contact: Linda Cortright, Editor - Wild Fibers Magazine
P.O. Box 1752, Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-9455