Clipping Time.

Angora rabbits need clipping every 10-12 weeks. This not just to collect fibre, the rabbit will become very matted if neglected and that is a very sorry sight to see.

It takes about 20mins to clip Daisy. She gives about 55gms of pure white fibre and is very easy to do because I have had her a long time and she is very used to me. Rabbits don't like strangers.

 Don't have a fit when you see this picture. It is impossible to do a nice neat job, getting the fibre off is the important thing. Daisy does not mind what she looks like. I do have to make sure she keeps warm at this time of the year. In the summer the rabbits are glad to get rid of their long coats.

This scarf was knitted from 100% Angora so soft and warm to wear, my favourite.

New Etsy Post.

 I have just posted a Angora Shoulder Cape on Etsy. It is hand knitted with my best hand spun angora from one of my favortie rabbits called Flute. He has a lovely coat which grows thick and long. It takes about 30mins to clip him because there is so much fibre to come off. It's a good job that I only do it once every 10 weeks because he gets a bit figerty in that time.

The cape is soft and warm with a lovely drape. A cosy cover up for indoors or out any time.

Cilpping a Rabbit

I only have two Angora rabbits at the moment a white one, Daisy, and a light grey one called Conner. It was Daisy's turn to be clipped this week. She is very good when I do this as she is used to it and I have become quite quick. It usually takes me about 20 to 30 minutes. Some commercial producers are much faster that this, but I like to take time to be careful not to catch the rabbit with the scissors. That is very easy thing to do as they have such loose skin. Most rabbits need clipping every 10 to 12 weeks, if you leave it any longer they become matted which is bad for the rabbit and makes it  much more difficult to clip them. That makes the job take longer and upsets the rabbit which makes it struggle and more difficult to clip. A vicious circle.

Angora is a lovely fibre to spin, there is nothing softer. But it is not easy to do well and needs some practice. Some people are allergic to Angora so check before you try to spin any.

If you think you might like to keep an Angora rabbit. Please remember it is a huge commitment. They need fresh food and water every day just like any rabbit. But a coat that can grow up to 4" long need special care. Regular clipping,and a very clean hutch. Serious welfare problems can arise if you neglect these things. Having said that they make great pets and it is very satisfying to spin your own fibre.