Angora rabbits are one of the oldest domesticated lagomorph breeds. These cute bunnies have a distinctive appearance with their very long fur. While they’re adorable, they’re also more work than regular short-haired rabbits. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about caring for Angora rabbit breeds, covering their grooming needs, dietary requirements, and attention demands.
First: There Are Four Main Breeds
There are at least 10 recognized Angora breeds worldwide, but the American Rabbit Breeders Association only recognizes the following four.
The English Angora is the smallest of the four breeds. They’re very popular show pets because of their cute faces and long hair. They live for up to five years and have basic care requirements apart from their grooming needs. They’re popular, but parents should be careful getting them for children because they require more work.
French Angoras are bigger than their English cousins and live for up to 12 years. It’s also slightly easier to care for them because they molt, meaning that they naturally shed their coat. They still require grooming, but they’re an easier option for new Angora owners.
Giant Angoras are the result of breeding Flemish giant rabbits with German Angoras. This breed can weigh up to 10 pounds and produces a couple of pounds of wool per year. They’re gentle giants and live for up to 11 years. They require regular brushing, but their other grooming needs aren’t so intense because they have less hair on their face and feet.
Satin Angoras are a friendly rabbit breed. They’re a mix between French Angoras and satin rabbits. Their soft hair makes them very popular with spinners. However, they produce less than other Angora species. These Angoras have shimmering coats and laid-back temperaments. They live for up to 12 years.
1. Set Aside Ample Time for Grooming Sessions
In case this wasn’t already clear: Angora rabbits have serious grooming requirements. This is a big commitment that many people don’t have time for. You must brush your Angora rabbit’s hair up to three times per week. They’re prone to suffering mats and tangles, so brushing their hair will reduce this issue.
Meanwhile, Angoras will shed their hair three or four times per year. However, German and giant Angora rabbit owners must clip their coats. This helps to keep their coat healthy as the seasons change. We recommend preparing a grooming kit for your Angora rabbit before shedding season begins. A wire brush is a great option because it will be firm enough to untangle hair. Some owners also use a blower to help open their Angoras’ hair. You should also get small scissors to cut away any mats or tangles.
2. Angoras Need More Protein Than Other Breeds
All rabbits need a high-fiber diet, so it’s important to give them plenty of hay. Meanwhile, Angoras have a special dietary requirement. They need more protein because of their wool production. Owners can buy food pellets with a high protein percentage at their local pet store. The amount of pellets you give them will vary slightly depending on the Angora breed. You can also give them sliced fruit and green leafy vegetables, like spinach, for an added nutrient boost. Ensure your Angoras get plenty of drinking water, too.
3. Hand-harvest Your Rabbit’s Woolly Coat
Harvesting Angora wool isn’t very difficult, and you can do this when you clip or shear their coats. Their wool is ready for harvest if you see them dragging longer strings or if there are visible clumps stuck to the cage. It may take a couple of hours to fully shear your rabbit and clip their hair. Often, you can hand-harvest by gently pulling loose strands from their body. However, you may need an electric trimmer to do it properly.
After you harvest the wool, you can try spinning it yourself or potentially even sell it. Wait until the wool is at least three inches long before harvesting it.
4. Provide Your Angora Rabbit With Company
Angora rabbits are no different from any other bunny breed in that they need company. Wild rabbits live in massive networks in underground warrens. They are very social creatures and require companionship to feel secure. We strongly advise getting at least two Angoras if you know you won’t always be home. Otherwise, you will be your Angora’s main buddy, and this is a big commitment. A pair of rabbits will help groom each other and provide enrichment.
There are a few things to know when getting your rabbit a companion. For starters, never put a male and female together unless you’re 100 percent sure that they’re neutered. A female rabbit could have 15 babies in a single litter and get pregnant within hours of giving birth. It’s best to get a mixed-sex pair with both parties neutered.
Regarding your Angoras’ cage: ensure your rabbits have ample space and hiding places in their hutch, so they can have alone time when they want it. Also, monitor their behavior in case one bunny bullies the other.
Note: Angoras Are Not Ideal for Beginners
In short, Angora rabbits are gentle animals and make excellent pets. They’re sweet and docile, with friendly temperaments. Nonetheless, we don’t recommend them for beginners because of their nuanced grooming requirements. Potential owners must understand what they’re getting themselves into.
Angora rabbits are a big commitment, and it’s not easy to find someone to care for them properly if you go on vacation. They’re also not the best option for children because they often won’t understand how important it is to brush their pets regularly. It’s better to start with another type of rabbit first before getting an Angora. If you are dead set on getting an Angora, do your research properly first.
