Show rabbits. . . angora

[RebelsHope]

I am thinking about showing English angora rabbits. Am I insane or what?

Well I bought two rabbits last year. A buck and a doe. Both, I was told are show quality. Well, I waited to show and then was told that it was too late to show them because they had been trimmed and when they regrew I was told that would not be a good coat.

I was thinking of breeding them. When would the kits be ready to show?

Should I start out with an easier rabbit. I am not going to sell the ones I got. I wanted them because I want the fiber to spin. I have toyed with the idea of getting a Hotot or ???

Also is it odd for an adult with no kids of show rabbits?

 

[gypsy2621]

NO its not odd at all.
Many people with out children show their rabbits.
there is a lot to be said for a well maintained, stunning rabbit you bred and rasied for show purposes.
Its a great sense of accomplishment.

That out of the way.
Fiber animals unless severely mattes shouldnt be sheered they should however be stripped,( pulled gently out to seperate teh fiber from the hair shaft,) Think of angora wool like a straw and tooth pick. pull oout the tooth pick and leave the straw.
as for the BS that it will not grow back properly well its just that BS.
It will grow back in just as nice as it was before the rabbit was sheered. Sometimes even nicer.

There are not as many people showing angora rabbits as there used to be and the more breeders who show the animals the better. Go for the Showing its fun, raucus and a great way to get out and socialize with others who share your interest.
You will be glad you did.
Showing rabbits is almost as addicting as chickens.

 

[RebelsHope]

Thanks,

I have become a memeber of ARBA, and I have visited a few shows. I still wondering if I should get an easier starter rabbit. When I think about grooming for the show I get a knot in my stomach. I think that just a nice little rabbit that does not require as much grooming so I could just thinking about showing and not the extensive prep of the angora my make it a little easier. I am sure once I would up the nerve it will be easier.

For an angora though, how old should the rabbit be before her/his first show?

 

[feathersgalore]

Angoras take a lot of work to keep in "show shaple". I might recommend Jersey Woolies (my breed). They have long hair like angoras but in a small package. Also, once they get their senior coat, they take much less grooming. I love angoras but only have one due to the grooming requirements (but do have a barn full of JWs).

 

[RebelsHope]

I have a three tier cage and only the top twe are fill. Hmmmm. .. I have my buck and my doe but that leaves one more space. lol

I don't suppose you come to shows in WI? lol

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

I am just starting out showing rabbits myself and will be showing French Angoras...
See my new site here:
www.joiedeviverabbitry.webs.com

We just drove to PA to pick up my new Juniors that I will be showing and breeding!!!