As The Price Of Local Angoras Plummet...

As the price of angora rabbits plummet locally, I continue to be shocked- even though I consistently believe I can no longer feel shocked.

While I am used to watching French angoras sell (locally) for $40.00, I am not used to seeing Germans and German hybrids advertised for $75.00 or, even worse, $50.00.

When I first became interested in Germans, the lowest price I came across was $250.00 while a German who had a good chance of being registered didn’t go for less than $350.00. Some well- known German breeders wouldn’t sell for less than $500.00.

These prices were justified, though, and an unbiased, objective method was used to determine these prices.

The truth is that rabbits that cost so much were highly valued and treated well. Why would someone pay $300.00 for a rabbit and then turn around and neglect him/ her? The high price of Germans kept them safe.

The problem is that, unless all German breeders share this belief and work with each other- using the method of pricing described above- it all falls apart.

And it is. German hybrids are now being advertised in my area for $50.00 per rabbit.

With the going price for Germans and their hybrid kin in my area so low, one might ask why I refuse to lower my prices- which is a legitimate question that begs to be answered.

Soooooo- here goes.

First off, I believe in using an objective, fair method of pricing my rabbits. Using the French Method, I am able to use fiber totals and the suggested price of angora fiber to determine how much my rabbits are worth. This formula uses a numerical basis for appraisal from which number values can be added or subtracted- depending on an individual rabbit’s characteristics.

This method protects both breeder and customer and is fair to human and rabbit alike.

So, my prices are not based on the local market, or what other local breeders are charging but rather a general method that is not contingent upon local prices.

Second, my rabbits provide fiber; and will continue to provide high- quality, usable fiber throughout their entire life. Thus, buying an angora rabbit is an investment that will pay for itself several times over. You can pay for angora fiber each time you are working on a project, or you can pay one time for a rabbit and use it’s fiber for years; the choice is yours. As a fiber artist, I can appreciate paying more at one time to save money in the long run. I can also appreciate the enormous sense of accomplishment felt when one is responsible for creating everything that goes into a project- from the sheared fiber to the woven shawl; this feeling is priceless.

Third, it costs more money to feed rabbits a high- quality feed than it does to feed cheaper- and thus lower quality- pellets. It also costs more to build/ purchase larger cages. Veterinary care, nutritional supplements and additional feeds add up as well. The truth is that it is expensive to do things right but, if one feels strongly that doing things ethically, responsibly, and respectfully is right, then the added expense is justified.

Fourth, I spend valuable time with and on my rabbits. I take my role as a breeder/ keeper very seriously and believe that I deserve just compensation for a job well done. I think through every breeding and put an enormous amount of time into researching rabbit health and behavior issues. I make sure that all of my rabbits are properly socialized and groomed so that they are easy to groom and handle once they leave my rabbitry.

My breeding program focuses on breeding rabbits who will produce large volumes of high- quality fiber. Not all angoras are created equal and, believe it or not, not all angoras produce high- quality fiber. Moreover, some angoras produce more fiber than others. I keep extensive records regarding wool totals and evaluate the quality (crimp, color, synchronization, etc.) of all of my rabbits. Those who don’t fit the bill aren’t bred. I devote an enormous amount of time and energy to my breeding program and the results speak for themselves. While the price of my rabbits might be higher than the prices charged by other breeders, the quality inherent in my rabbits justifies the cost.

Fifth, I am not a rabbit seller as much as I am a participant in angora culture. When I sell a rabbit, I am also selling my knowledge and experience. Because I want my rabbits and their people to build a successful, happy relationship, I am there for my customers. Any time a concern or question pops up, I am available to offer help and advice.

I am dedicated to the health and happiness of angoras; as someone who has taken in rescues, I feel strongly about high standards of care and selective breeding and selling.

Sixth, I do not need to sell my rabbits; I am not desperate. I know what my rabbits are worth and I will not sell them for any less. I provide high- quality fiber- producing rabbits (with wonderful temperaments) for a limited customer base (fiber artists wishing to create high- quality products). Anyone who wants an exemplary animal from a responsible and ethical breeder will be willing to pay more for the privilege. Anyone who wants less will find and pay for less.

Seventh, I do not ascribe to the belief that fiber rabbits should be cheap- and thus disposable- pets. Sadly, the fact that rabbits can be purchased for so low a price seems to contribute to the fact that they are so often neglected and abandoned. I believe that there is a direct correlation between how much a rabbit costs and the care it receives. Perhaps this is due to the fact that someone who looks for a cheap rabbit will treat him as a cheap (disposable) rabbit while someone who is willing to spend a bit more is also willing to adopt higher standards of care. Perhaps it is due to the fact that most rational people treat long- term investments better than cheap, disposable purchases.

In any case, I have no desire/ need to undercut any other breeder; they sell what they sell and I sell what I sell; the two aren’t comparable.

Moreover, by charging more, I am not participating in what I consider to be an unethical and irresponsible local Angora market. Decent, responsible breeders charge accordingly; this sets them apart from those that aren’t decent and responsible.
Last, I am not a large- scale breeder. At the moment, I breed for my own needs and with a long- term goal in mind. I don't advertise as a pet breeder but instead breed with the Breed Standard of Perfection and the fiber artist in mind. I don't mass produce rabbits and thus don't have an unending supply of rabbits to sell. My prices reflect this.

You- a local customer or breeder- may wonder who I think I am and why I believe I have the right to speak so judgmentally about other breeders.

First off, I must state that there are some exemplary breeders in my area. Most have had to close up shop because they could not longer remain solvent in the current local market. Some have recognized an oversupply/ over population of angoras locally and do not wish to introduce more (potentially unwanted) angoras into the market. Others could not justify the high cost of doing things right in a market in which angoras are going for next to nothing; after all most breeders are not wealthy and thus the business of breeding most be self- sustainable.
Second, I must state that I firmly believe many of the local issue with regards to angoras can be traced back to one (or more) breeders who, for whatever reason, decided to either unload stock at significantly reduced rates, or decided to sell as cheaply as possible in order to earn a quick buck. In either case, customers were ill- informed and, as a result, passed their savings on to others in the form of cheap offspring out of the original bargain breeding pairs.
4- H, I believe, is also to blame. Craigslist and Hoobly are full of former 4- H rabbits that could not be sold at the local fair. Personally, I have taken in two former 4- H "projects" and so have an understanding of how some local 4- H chapters work.
While I think it is great that young people learn to work with and care for animals- especially in today's culture in which humans have lost touch with their agricultural past- I don't think that 4- H always teaches young people follow- through and responsibility. It seems that, once the fair is over, some 4-H participants don't get that the animal shown in the fair still needs attention and care after the fair. As a result, frustrated parents and/ or participants sell former projects at extremely cheap prices- thus flooding the local market with cheap breeding stock that will, in turn, produce cheap breeding stock for generations to come.
Unfortunately, local 4- H chapters don't seem to teach about the local economy/ market, fair pricing, etc.
In any case, someone ended up buying a cheap breeding pair and began breeding. The rest is history.
As a result, I must state that, as someone who has rescued too many Angora rabbits born at the same two local rabbitries (and two more purchased at a “fiber fest”), I have definitely formed a strong opinion about ethical angora breeding and keeping. Many times over, I’ve witnessed the kind of life that a $40.00 or $50.00 rabbit ends up living and thus I refuse to be competitive with my prices at the expense of the well- being and happiness of my rabbits.
I don't believe that breeders who sell at such low prices mean any harm; I just don't believe that they have really thought through what life could be life for the rabbits they, in some cases, mass- produce, and then sell as cheaply as possible. I also do not think that they understand what consequences their cheap prices have had on the local angora market yet- ironically- the low prices they charge today will come back to bite them in the butt tomorrow... as the prices continue to drop.

I have also witnessed an unwillingness on the part of rabbit owners- both present and potential- to educate themselves about ethical breeding and basic standards of care. On short, there are simply too many people who are more than willing to support irresponsible and unethical breeding- whether it be as a result of ignorance or simply wanting to find a good “deal.”
Moreover, while there are a good many local angora rabbits, very few exemplify the breed standard of perfection and, as more and more uneducated people decide to start a breeding business (using cheap stock), there will be fewer and fewer decent show- worthy specimens.

What say you?

The Last of the Dandelions: Dehydrating Wild Edibles for Rabbit Consumption

Here in NE Ohio, the leaves are in mid- color- which is my personal favorite point of leaf coloration. There are deep reds, golden yellows, a little purple, a smattering of brown, and bright spring green- all in addition to some (still) deep green.

The air is turning crisp- especially at night but the sun still warms things up enough during the day to make collecting edibles a rare and real pleasure.

Throughout the early spring and summer, the Tugbunny rabbits have been enjoying a constant supply of wild edibles. Also, throughout the entire early spring until now no one has fallen ill. I do not believe that this is mere coincidence but, instead, the result of feeding a high- quality pellet along with a varied smorgasbord of various wild edibles… you know, the kinds of things that rabbits much on in the wild…

But, with cooler air approaching and, eventually, frost- comes the sad demise of most of the wild edibles that my rabbits have enjoyed since early spring. With this in mind, I have decided to collect and dehydrate the last of the edibles from my yard. I have no idea how this will turn out but, as with all things, it is better to try and to fail than to not try at all…

Plants like plantain, dandelion, dock (immature plants, without spikes), cleavers, various forms of thistle and grape leaves will soon be finding their way into my dehydrator.

The plan is to pick, wash, dry and then dehydrate on the lowest setting possible- which on my dehydrator- an Excalibur 9 tray- is a little less than 125 degrees (F). The point is to dehydrate the edibles at a high enough temperature to effectively do the job while also using a low enough temperature to protect beneficial enzymes, vitamins, etc. from death and harm.

The edibles will be spaced far enough apart to provide for adequate air circulation and in order to prevent the growth of mold as the dehydration process will take longer as a result of the low temperature used.

Alternatively, edibles can be placed onto a screen or drying rack outdoors (provided rain is not in the forecast) and dried. Personally, I have never gone this route because, with my schedule, it is more convenient to use a dehydrator.

While using a dehydrator would most likely not be ideal for a large harvest, for a small, experimental harvest/ adventure, it will do just fine.

To be continued…

Ch- Ch- Changes

Summer has quickly faded and I am spending time harvesting the last of the dandelions, plantain, thistle, cleavers, and dock for dehydration and winter use… how time flies!

As I believe I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been working third shift which has enabled my rabbits to live a rather posh- but lonely- life. The summer here was so hot that air conditioning for my rabbits was a matter of life or death (in my opinion) and so I decided that an air conditioner must be bought and a higher- than- usual electric bill must be paid.

In addition, some introspective thinking had to take place and some tough decisions had to be made.

The current climate in my area is such that the going rate for a pedigreed French Angora is around $45.00 which, in my opinion, is absurd.

A few years ago, the average price for a pedigreed French Angora was around $100.00- which seems far more reasonable and fair.

Financially speaking, if I were to charge $45.00 per rabbit (and remain competitive), I’d have to majorly cut costs. I’d have to buy cheaper food, breed the heck out of my does, and focus in procuring cheap stock. This would be unacceptable.

Ethically, this would be irresponsible. Who needs more rabbits in a market already saturated with angora rabbits? Who needs more angoras in shelters (and in my garage)? There are currently rabbits enough who are in need of homes and breeding more only contributes to the problem.

At the rate of $45.00 per pedigreed rabbit, a breeder is more or less entering the pet market- a market in which any animal is extremely vulnerable to exploitation, neglect, and abuse; it makes it so much easier to cross the line between small- scale breeding and large scale milling.

Moreover, a legal line is crossed in that, currently, angora breeders (breeding “fiber animals”) are not subject to the same regulation as breeders who breed rabbits for the pet trade (Animal Welfare Act of 1966). If more and more angora breeders market angoras as pets and sell at pet- quality prices, what does this mean for those of us who breed for fiber purposes?

Even more important, will we be forced into the pet market- a market with which many of us want nothing to do?

Yet, to continue breeding in the current market would be adding fuel to a fire that is already burning out of control.

Sadly, I have quickly learned what other more experienced breeders have known for a while: breeding in today’s local market isn’t ethical or cost effective (should one wish to do things right). As a result, many local breeders no longer breed or, if they do, breeding is done for private purposes only.

As a relative optimist, I believed that those who had stopped breeding and selling angoras were being over- dramatic or too cautious; I believed that, with a little work, time, and money, the local issue wouldn’t be an issue…

I was wrong.

I am now focusing on caring for the rabbits I have and will only sell to fiber artists who have previous experience with angoras. I will not sell angoras as pets because I am not a pet breeder or dealer. I will also not sell angoras for less than they are worth because it would be insulting to do so- regardless of the going rate.

Instead of breeding, I will focus on spinning, weaving, and selling fiber. In the long run, I believe that this is the best decision for both my angoras and their local brethren.

Big News and a Big Apology

Hello Any and All Readers-

It has been some time since I last posted; this is mostly the result of my getting a third shift job in order to support my angora/ art projects.

In any case, the rabbits are happy and healthy- hanging out in air- conditioning splendor.

Work has given me the opportunity to buy supplies for both my rabbits and for my fiber projects- which is a great thing.  While, as a result of spending a good amount of time a work means that I do not have the same amount of free time I once had (for blogging, etc.), I am able to better move on with my (new) plans for both my rabbits and art projects.

Working has also provided me with the opportunity to think a bit.

My last entry was the direct result of a nasty run- in I had with another local angora breeder. At the time, I was so angry, shocked, frustrated and hurt- for many reasons.

In all fairness, I am to blame for the issue and take full responsibility for my actions. However, I was acting out of sheer concern.

Could I have been kinder? Yes. Could I have given the breeder in question the benefit of the doubt? Absolutely. Do I regret some aspects of what I did? Yes.  

You see, my area is supersaturated with French angora rabbits. I know this because many of the unwanted individuals have ended up in my rabbitry. All of these rabbits were previously owned by people who- for whatever reason- could not care for them. Some were not told the truth about the time and money commitment involved in angora ownership. Others wanted a low- maintenance pet but, instead, ended up with a rabbit that needs to be sheared, fed, caged, etc. On top of the maintenance aspect of angora ownership, there is the fact that angoras are rabbits and thus do not always make the best pets for everyone.

As I have previously stated, I am of the opinion that owners are not innocent when it comes to angora neglect and overpopulation; however, it is the breeders that do business in an irresponsible way that are the true culprits.

It is the rabbits that suffer, though, while both breeder and owner come out of the situation unscathed.

I have seen rabbits suffer from neglect. These experiences have moved me to feel the way I do about irresponsible breeding and so, when I believe that I see another irresponsible breeder appear in my area, I react.

In response to my reaction, I opened myself up to many reactions in turn. I can only imagine that, in addition to feeling angry about my email, the breeder in question also felt bothered by my last post.

The chain of angry, abusive emails that followed my email and last post seemed- at one point- never- ending. Even my husband who- in all fairness- did call the breeder out of genuine interest (the bloodlines her rabbits possess is actually quite good)- received nasty, threatening texts while at work.

The irony is, though, that the threats were more amusing and annoying than anything else.

You see- dear readers- to threaten someone with extensive legal knowledge with a lawsuit is amusing- however, to threaten someone while at work is annoying and could result in punishment or dismissal.

As a result, I felt the need to take a step back and ask myself whether or not it had all been worth it- and the answer was “no.”

The experience I had was not unusual. A good many older breeders have had similar experiences and, while there are some wonderful, younger/ newer breeders out there who are into angora breeding, there are many others who are not- so- wonderful.

When honesty and civility are impossible and, when one is unwilling to listen to another, nothing can be done.

I have thought- numerous times- about sending an apology and making nice because it’s just the type of person I am. I don’t like bad feelings and, if and when I behave badly, I like to admit it, apologize, and move on. I find that doing so often prompts the person with whom I had the negative interaction to respond in like manner. As a result, a platform of mutual respect is reached and we can look each other in the eye as equals and move on. This is how it should be and how I wish it could be.

However, after the threats and insults, it became clear that there was most likely no solution to the mess and that I would have to change the way I do things in order to still do what I love.  

As I see it, the French issue is- or soon will- spread to the Germans. This is clear by the quick devaluing of decent stock by the breeder is question because this is how it all began with the French.

In all fairness, I recently saw some English for sale on Craigslist for a measly $40.00 so, even the English are not safe from overpopulation and thus neglect.

The punchline: I am no longer breeding except for personal use. I cannot- in good conscience- breed when a possible overpopulation is looming in the distance. Also, I cannot purchase excellent stock from decent breeders and still break even when other local breeders choose to sell their stock for so little. In order to break even, I would have to breed the heck out of my does (which I am unwilling to do), undercut other breeder(s) (which I am also unwilling to do), buy cheap stock, do things on the cheap (low overhead, more profit), and then attempt to remain competitive in a saturated market. I can’t do things in such an unethical way and so, I am more than willing to pass the torch on to others who can.

Personally, I am too old for the nonsense that seems to come along with rabbit breeding in my area and, also, do not have the stomach to put up with insults and threats. Like so many other breeders before me, I would be content to remove myself from the present local market and instead keep company with others who share my beliefs, values, and ethics.

My husband could have lost his job over this and so, for me, this was a big deal. My kids need fed and clothed. Period. Thus, the risks posed by both breeding and speaking out against perceived irresponsible breeding is not justified.

I will entertain the idea of selling to serious fiber artists and like- minded breeders- however, other than that, my rabbits are no longer for sale.

Last, since my dear fellow breeder- with whom I created this issue- most likely will read this, I would like to publically apologize. My behavior was not as kind and respectful as it ought to have been; I am sorry.

Now that this human business is out of the way, I can- once again- turn my attention to my wonderful rabbits.

And Now For Something Completely Different!

      OK... deep breath... count to ten... Now that the drama from the other day seems to have blown over (at least on my end... she's still angry... apparently...), I can turn to more useful, practical, enlightening, important things... 

     Angoras should have constant access to hay- it helps prevent wool block and, some evidence suggests that, because of it's high fiber content (ie. it moves things along), it can help prevent coccidia. 

     However, there are lot of different types of hay out there- all sold in various forms and varying in expense. This post will cover the different types of hay and the various forms in which they come. 

     Most people agree that Timothy or Orchard Grass are healthier than Alfalfa, which is high in fat and protein. I, however, will feed a half Timothy/ half Alfalfa mix in the winter and to pregnant and lactating does. 

     Hay comes in many forms- from tightly compressed blocks to large bails. 

     Most of the time, hay that is sold in big- chain pet stores comes in small bags. This hay is of varying quality but it is almost always more expensive than buying a bale from a local farmer of at a farm supply shop ($5.00 per small bag or $6.00 per bale). If one must buy hay from a big chain store, I recommend Oxbow. 

     One can also buy hay in block form that is compressed and dehydrated from big- chain pet stores. These blocks can be fun for rabbits to chew on and play with- however, they must be removed when (not if) soiled. I have read that, because these little blocks of hay are dehydrated, they encourage more water consumption. Thus, this form of hay may be an option for a rabbit whose fluid consumption- for whatever reason- is less than ideal. 

     Also, these blocks are great for keeping teeth in good shape as they are fairly hard and must be worked at before eaten. Again, they are expensive and must be removed and discarded when soiled. 

     Next, there are compressed bales from chain farm supply shops. This is a much cheaper route to follow than the tiny bags of hay from big chain shops and, for the most part, the quality is better. However, it will rarely be fresh and you will need space to keep the bale after you begin using it (I use a Christmas tree bin). Also, it is most likely old and could be transported from anywhere. 

     One major benefit to using compressed bales from farm supply stores is that there is rarely- if ever- anything else mixed in with the hay. That means that you probably won't have to worry about poisonous plants, etc. in your hay. 

     Last, many farmers sell hay. In my opinion, this is the freshest hay available. It smells and looks wonderful- if you like that sort of thing. My rabbits love local hay and I love helping out local farmers. It's very cheap- compared to the little bags found in pet stores- and lasts for a while. Again, you'll need a place to store it. 

     However, there is one major drawback: things (other than what you want) in your hay. 

     For example, poisonous or noxious weeds. Flowering Dock, for instance- which is high in oxalates. Milk weed, Chicory, and Thistles can also be bad for rabbits because they tend to absorb a high amount of contaminants- especially heavy metals. I am constantly finding and taking "other" plants out of my hay. 

     There are also some odd things- other than plants- that can end up in hay. Such as dead toads. No joke. I once found a smooshed (dead) toad in my hay. Last night I found a crushed up bottle of windshield de- icer (they are getting a call about that)... So, you just never know what you'll find. 

     I have also read that fur mites can also be hiding in hay- depending on where and how the hay was stored. I have not had an issue with this so I can't speak to it; rather it's just something I read. 

     In any case, your angora needs hay- at all times... As always, do your own research, draw your own conclusions, and do the best you can! 

One thing that responsible rabbit breeding and raising children have in common is that it is often the case that very difficult decisions must be made.

Sometimes there are no good choices and one must choose the lesser of the two evils.

Sometimes the right decision is apparent but it would be a real sacrifice to make it.

And then there are times when a moral or ethical decision must be made; of course, the right choice is apparent, it is just so hard to make it.

Especially when doing so opens one up to persecution, abuse, and ostracisation. You also know, that by making it, you will likely anger someone- even if you don't mean to.

I am writing this post because I recently had to make such a decision. It was one of those times when I was caught between opening my mouth to, perhaps, prevent irresponsible breeding/ rabbit misery and doing nothing and being none the worse for it.

I have always said that my desire to make friends must never supercede my love for angoras. Over the past few days, I have had to put action to my words- and it has been tough.

When in doubt, I always tell myself, ask questions. Investigate. Do everything possible to do what is right.

I have also learned that, when it comes to angora breeding, my deepest fears always usually come to fruition and my concerns are almost always justified. In any case, I have learned to be as blunt as possible.

Maybe I am paranoid. Maybe I take responsible breeding and husbandry too seriously. After all, I’m the only person in my area who seems to give a s***.

In short, I confronted- via email- someone in my area that appeared to be opening a rabbit mill. I had my reasons to suspect it, and, the more I learned, the stronger my suspicion. I also contacted the breeder from whom the breeding pair was procured.

At the very least the person in question appeared clueless about a good many things pertaining to angora care.

I tried to choose my words well; I used words like “appeared” because I didn’t want to outright accuse.

I also used words like “present” when speaking about my feelings for her and the situation- leaving room open for change in the future.

I also attempted to give advice.

I won’t lie, the email said what I believed needed to be said. I didn’t mince words but I also tried to be as gentle as possible; I even apologized should I come off as being harsh. I explained where I was coming from and what my fears were…

I didn’t expect a happy response but I certainly didn’t expect the response I got.

I have never- in my entire life- been treated so terribly. I have never been called such terrible names and spoken to in such a disrespectful way.

I am still in shock.
"Nosy?" You betcha! I am nosy when it comes to the way rabbits are treated. I look out for my fellow responsible breeders and expect them to be nosy when it comes to the welfare of any rabbits from my rabbitry.
"Know it all?" Not quite; in fact, I am sad about how little I know. I simply believe that, if you are an angora breeder, there are some things that you should know.
"Idiot?" Not according to my last IQ test.
"Trouble maker?" Nope; it's more like I'm a "trouble spotter."
"Self- absorbed?" Hm. My level of self- confidence and esteem is as low as my IQ is high. Moreover, I don't have time to be self- absorbed.
"Money hungry?" Yes; that's exactly why I am looking for a job in order to keep my rabbit hobby afloat! No, I just know what my rabbits are worth an I won't insult them, my customers, or myself for selling them for less. I'd rather keep a rabbit than sell it for less than he's worth- that's how money hungry I am.
What really perplexed me was the accusation that I "always want something." I don't get this one. I suppose it's true. I want a Kromski Minstrel; that's something. I also want a Leclerc Dorothy table loom; that's something, too. I want my kids to be able to afford college, does that count?
The best part was the threat of filing a police report for "harassment" after she sent me FOUR emails in the span of a few hours and I sent... drum role... NONE! LOL to the tenth power!

I am very concerned that she will soon ruin my reputation (and thus business) as a result of this. I have never felt more disenchanted with rabbit breeding in my life and feel ready to hand in the towel. I can’t win.

The punchline: after expressing anger at being “accused” of running a rabbit mill and insistence that she wasn’t… a line from her website reads “we always have kits available.”

$35.00 Angora Rabbits- At Whose Expense?

Today I saw “woolers” listed for sale on an online group for $35.00 per rabbit. I just about fainted.

Pricing is a sticky subject; on the one hand, people who love rabbits breed rabbits because they love rabbits. On the other hand, people who love the rabbits they breed spend the amount of time equivalent to working a ¾ time job- and spend the same amount of money that they would have made working a ¾ time job in order to breed the rabbits they love; it’s a catch 22.

No one who loves rabbits and breeds them wants to sound greedy; doing so makes one sound exploitive or that one is in it for the wrong reasons.

However, breeding and caring for rabbits in a responsible way is a job and, at least in the US, everyone who works is entitled to just compensation.

My mom was a teacher. She loved teaching and put everything of herself into her students and career- yet she still expected to be paid- who wouldn’t?

Would anyone accuse a teacher for being in it (teaching) for the wrong reasons because she brings home a paycheck?

The truth is that it is crazy to expect anyone to work for free.

Also, it isn’t cheap to breed and care for rabbits; there is the high- quality hay and pellets, medicine, vet bills, cages… How is it wrong to expect to break even?

Rabbit breeders provide a service; they put time, thought, research and effort into breeding so that rabbit lovers can reap the benefits of a well- bred rabbit. They feed, shelter and care for the rabbits that other people buy and enjoy. Rabbit breeders are on call 24/ 7- if a rabbit needs assistance at night, we’re on it.

Why should the service we provide be free?

Another thing to consider is that Angora ownership is a luxury rather than a necessity. Angoras are luxurious animals that produce top- notch fiber- expensive fiber! Shouldn’t the value of Angora wool have some effect on the price of Angoras?

After all, Angora rabbits are gifts that keep giving in the form of wool- throughout their entire life. Isn’t this worth something?

If I charge very little for my rabbits and can’t break even, I either must change my standards of care or go broke. Thus, if Angora lovers want Angoras that receive top- notch care, they ought to be willing to pay for it. It’s that simple.

Furthermore, my rabbits- even my “woolers” (the rabbits that are only good for producing wool) are worth what they are worth. Depreciating their value to undercut competition or make a sale does them an injustice. People willing to pay more do so because they understand the true worth of a well- bred rabbit- wooler or pedigreed.

Last, I have no idea what to think about breeders who charge $35.00 for an Angora rabbit. I’m still flabbergasted.

If the rabbit produces a low volume of low- quality wool, fine then; he might as well be priced at the going rate of any other non- Angora.

However, to ask so little for a rabbit that performs a function well- the function he and his Angora kin are meant to perform- is simply wrong.

Not only does it do the rabbit injustice but, in addition, I have to wonder if the worth placed on his existence will be reflected in the care he receives once he is sold?

Experience dictates that people care for things better if they pay more for them.

Moreover, a breeder who sells rabbits at such a low price does so at the peril of his fellow breeders; he does them a huge injustice. He spits on the time, effort, research, and capital invested by the rest of us.