What breed of rabbit to get for the fur... what to look for

[Guitartists]

Thanks for that link

Very informative

 

[gypsy2621]

Quote:
No it isnt a fluke nor is you information out dated,
Its owners choice. Some people prefer to shave their animals rather than to strip the fur for spinning
some prefer to strip the fur rather than shave it off.
There really is no wrong way to do the animal for grooming.
Matted fur is easier to shave off and is less stressful on the owner and rabbit.
just remember either method is acceptable but you do not want naked rabbits.
leave at least 1 1/2 inch for fur for future growth and warmth
warmer climates may opt to shave their rabbits in summer to keep them cool. 90 degree days with a fur coat on is uncomfortable
as is cold climates winter time you do not want to shave or pull too much fur, or they can freeze.

Angoras are a lot of work if left alone, not groomed. not a rabbit I wouldn't expect a child to spend an hour every day grooming.
a week or so of not grooming and the n ightmare begins.

 

[Guitartists]

I am wondering if I can talk DH into letting me keep my rabbits inside

I'd have to beg for sure!

I'll most likely have to keep them outside... in a suitable hutch of course. Does a regular style rabbit hutch work well for Angoras or will they need special accommodations?

 

[feathersgalore]

While Jersey Woolies have long hair the texture would be very difficult to work with. The senior coat is very slick (and doesn't mat). My english angora has a completely feel to her fur. I love my woolies but at around 2 pounds they wouldn't provide much fur.

 

[gypsy2621]

Quote:
I would not keep them inside 24/7 If you have a spot on a porch where no night time dew can get on the fur thats fine.
wet wool on a rabbit is asking for trouble. fresh air is good for them but do not leave them exposed completely to the pounding sun.

one thing to invest in with angora rabbits is a hand torch. cage cleaning time generally involves burning the fur that tangles in the wire. much easier to burn it off.
you do not want them on a solid bottom cage either, just makes matting up and stained wool.
solid bottom cages hold urine and fecal matter and it will get into the fur.
do be sure to have some sort of over head shelter from rain wind snow etc.

 

[Guitartists]

I've got a little propane torch... that's a really good idea that I would never have thought of! Thanks

Well, if they stayed indoors... I will still take them out every nice day for some fresh air and sunshine

But.... maybe outside and then inside in BAD weather might be the better way to go

I've got all the time in the world to figure it out

 

[gypsy2621]

torching cages not only eliminates the fur, smells bad but it also sterilizes the wire, there for cutting down on any risks of infections.
one thing though do not do what I did the first time, cages are expensive lol.
I held the torch in one sppot too long and burned straight through the floor of the cage LOL.
yep not one of my brightest moments LOL

 

[Guitartists]

LOL It happens

I'd probably have done it too if you hadn't just said that!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Guitarists, do you want to breed them or have them as pets? If you want to breed them, then I think you won't want them running loose in your house, spraying urine with their courting ritual.

If you really only want them as pets and only want to have just the two, then I think they could be indoors. They could be litter trained. I've visited a home with an angora running loose that was litter trained. My own rabbits have been litter trained and I gave the last one the spare room to live in. He was never caged, as I could thoroughly bunny proof that room. Other rabbits that I litter trained were caged and had designated free time in the house. The pelleted litter shouldn't be too much of a hassle with the fur and the top layer stays dry.

I'm not saying everyone should do that, just saying that for some people, in some circumstances, it works. I think it just depends on what you really want.

 

[Guitartists]

Well, I want them for the fur, so at some point they are going to get old or I am going to want MORE fur... in which case it seems easiest to have a pair so that I can breed them if need be. I wouldn't have them loose in the house.... I'm thinking of maybe putting them inside the garage but have an outdoor hutch also for nice weather days..... but be able to bring them in when it is too cold or nasty. I wouldn't mind a house rabbit.. but I know my DH would beg to differ

Besides, I have fallen for the Belgian Hares and am planning on getting one for a PET rabbit. I'm sure what I'll REALLY have is a BUNCH of PET rabbits in the end

LOL