Make Your Own Hay Rack!

While it's not difficult to find decent hay racks, why buy one when you can make one from a used milk/ water jug?

Materials Needed:

- Gallon milk/ water jug (plastic)
- Sharpie (not necessary, but nice to have)
- Scissors
- Zip ties
- Hole puncher

Procedure:

1) Trace as shown; some jugs have a thin ridge that can be used as a guide when tracing. If you're not tracing, skip this step (obviously).

2) Cut along ridge or drawn line. Or just wing it. Make sure to cut around the spout as shown. Also, it can be a bit tough to cut along the bottom and top around the spout... don't give up; your persistence will pay off!

This is what it will look like after you cut:

3) Now, cut along the triangle portion of the bottom of the jug. You most likely will not have to trace before cutting... but, hey, why not?

4) Punch holes along side; hang and fill.

Voila!

I should mention that having the top of the jug is nice but not necessary. Louise's rack is topless and it works.

I should also mention that juice containers can be used as well. Auburn's rack was made out of a Juicy- Juice container- and it works.

Last, I would be derelict if I didn't mention that this can be fun. The handle potion can be used to make a mask (my kids love their water jug masks!)- or masks!

A Fiber Fest is NOT the Place to Buy/ Sell Angora Rabbits!

With this year’s fiber fest looming (no pun intended) in the distance, online rabbit groups are abuzz with discussions regarding fiber fests.

Some breeders intend to sell their rabbits at this summer’s fests thus some rabbits will be sold at fiber fests.

I take issue with this.

This letter written and sent to my local fiber fest board explains why:

To Whom It May Concern on the Great Lakes Fiber Show Board:

I am a local Angora rabbit breeder/ rescuer who is concerned about the practice of selling rabbits at Fiber Festivals.

I believe that, as someone who has re- homed two rabbits (and several offspring) from the 2015 Great Lakes Fiber Festival, I am in a unique position to voice several concerns regarding the practice.

First off, I am deeply concerned about the future of any Angora- an extremely high maintenance animal- purchased on a whim. Impulse purchases are rarely thought out and, when such a purchase is made with regards to a high- needs animal, it is always the animal that suffers.

Second, there is absolutely no way to monitor the sale of Angora rabbits at fiber fests and thus no protection mechanisms in place to ensure that both selling and purchasing is done responsibly.

Rabbits could be in ill- health, carrying a communicable disease and thus be capable of infecting large numbers of other animals. WIthout any monitoring of sales and sale stock, it is impossible to discern the healthy from the sick.

Third, unlike sheep, that require a significant amount of planning, land, money, etc., people assume that Angora rabbits- being small animals, require a small amount of time, money and upkeep. Often, customers have little idea what Angora ownership entails. Sadly- and all too often- irresponsible breeders are more than happy to keep potential customers in the dark regarding the true needs of the rabbits they are trying to sell.

When grooming, upkeep, and money become an issue, the rabbit is either abandoned or kept in a state of neglect- from which he can suffer and, eventually die (wool block).

The two rabbits in my possession from last year’s fiber fest were in a state of neglect- while one of the two had been treated in a way that bordered abuse: kept in a constant state of pregnancy and lactation and fed only white bread for sustenance.

Fourth, I’d also like to mention the fact that, unless a rabbit is being sold specifically as a “fiber” or “meat” rabbit, they are being sold as pets and are subject to all laws regarding the sale and trade of “pet” rabbits (source: American Welfare Act). Clearly, the original owners of the two rescues in my possession were unaware that they were purchasing a “fiber” animal- whose fiber needed to be plucked/ sheared every 90 days. Instead, they believed that they were purchasing low- maintenance, low- cost pets that looked cute and cuddly at a fiber fest.

Moreover, the previous owner of (now) my “brood” doe, believed she had bought a low- maintenance  pet that would eventually make her rich through constant and successive breedings; the “fiber” produced by the rabbit (and her many offspring) did not factor into the picture. She was selling pets and thus ought to have been subject to all laws regarding the sale of rabbits within the pet industry.

Fifth, it is my belief that any responsible Angora breeder would not dream of selling his/ her rabbits at a fiber fest. Selling a rabbit (as an impulse purchase) to someone with no knowledge/ experience of/ with Angoras is incredibly irresponsible. Selling a rabbit to someone who does not have a (large enough) cage, grooming/ feeding supplies, and pellets waiting at home (for the rabbit) only adds to the irresponsibility.

Thus, in allowing the sale of Angoras at the Great Lakes Fiber Show, you are unwillingly  supporting and enabling the irresponsible breeding and ownership of Angora rabbits. Looking the other way and pretending that the rabbits purchased at your fiber fest do not fall into the wrong hands doesn’t solve the problem but, instead, only perpetuates it.

I’d like to add while, that selling Angoras at the rabbit show during the festival is another thing entirely, the chance still exists for impulse buys and thus neglect. My concern with regards to shows does not lie with legitimate, responsible breeders but rather with backyard or youth breeders looking to quickly unload stock in order to make a few bucks.  Shows, too, then are in need of some sort of oversight to ensure that rabbits are not sold on a whim to impulse buyers.

Angora rabbits are not disposable pets; nor are they objects to be purchased on a whim. They are live animals that often deserve better than they get.

In closing, I hope that you will take my concerns seriously and, as a result, put an end to Angora sales at the Great Lakes Fiber Show.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

What I’d like to add for the purpose of this blog is the fact that my local market is flooded with rabbits- especially French Angoras- that will, no doubt, be sold to homes in which they will fall into a state of neglect.

Do rabbit breeders live in a state of complete isolation in which they don’t see the issues inherent in the present (local) Angora market?

Or is it easier on the conscience- and the wallet- to turn a blind eye and act like the flooded market problem does not exist?

I suppose that I view rabbits the same way I view people: that is, I do not distinguish between “mine”- ie. those I know and love and “others”- those I don’t know and love. Therefore the concern I feel for my rabbits must extend to all rabbits. Therefore, I can’t turn a blind eye and/ or pretend that the unwanted Angora issue in my area does not exist.

It isn’t enough to say “I’m responsible… I don’t sell to impulse buyers… I do this, I do that… I screen…” If you are choosing to sell at a fiber fest, rather than by private, person- to- person sales, you are a supporting element of the problem. Period.

Furthermore, for out- of- state breeders to ignore the fact/ warning that a local market is currently flooded with rabbits is both irresponsible and wrong. You are contributing to a local problem that you will not be around to help solve. Instead, local rescuers and breeders will have to clean up your mess while you continue to hide behind the banner of out- of- state, though “responsible.”

In closing, I am asking- no, BEGGING- breeders not to sell rabbits at fiber fests. However, because I know that it is impossible to expect most people to actually care more about Angora welfare than their own agenda and/ or pocketbook,  I’ll rephrase my plea.

PLEASE-  be careful and cautious and be considerate of your local market. Don’t sell your rabbits to just anyone who can pay. Screen potential customers. At least act like you care.

To anyone considering purchasing a rabbit at a fiber fest this summer, my advice is: DON’T. Do your research; find a reputable breeder and purchase from him/ her.

Again, if you purchase a rabbit at a local fiber fest, you are contributing to the problem; if there is no market, there will be be no vendors!

"Tug Bunny" Explained In A Tirade About Responsible Rabbit Ownership And Breeding

Tug Bunny is a French Angora rabbit that was re- homed (at my home) last fall. 

When I first took her in, she was a "problem rabbit:" she didn't like being held or touched or groomed. While normally I would have been fine with her being her "self," I knew that I had to do something to "civilize" her so that she could be groomed. 

Grooming is necessary for Angora rabbits; if they aren't properly groomed, they can and will ingest wool and develop wool block- a potentially lethal condition in which wool, undigested food, and mucous form a stomach mass that interferes with digestion. Also, an un- groomed rabbit will most likely develop mats- which can be painful. 

I don't believe that Tug was purposely neglected. I believe, though, that Angoras are difficult and time- consuming to care for and her previous owner was in over her head. I also believe that, perhaps, she simply didn't know how to deal with Tug. 

I know that Tug came to her in poor condition; she had wool block and was badly matted. Thus, suffice it to say, the owner before the owner before me (got that?) most likely was terribly negligent. My guess is that, by the time she was adopted by the owner before me, she hadn't been groomed or handled and thus was very difficult to handle and thus groom. I know, because I was tasked with the job of handling and grooming her and, at first, it was impossible. 

I believe that, with most living beings, trust can't be bought or forced; it must be earned. Rabbits are no different. However, earning trust must be coupled with the belief that we- the humans- are in charge because rabbits will sense weakness and inconsistency. Yes, they are THAT smart. 

For example, I didn't just grab her and force myself on her; I let her out of her cage and sat in a room with her. Eventually, she came to me and let me pet her for a few seconds. A few seconds eventually became a few minutes until, once day, she jumped into my lap. 

However, when it came to nail trimming- a must for safety reasons- I had to be the boss. Gently, kindly- but firmly- I had to insist on clipping her nails. 

So, a delicate balance was discovered. 

After a few months, Tug fully came around. Granted, she has her days but, as an individual with feelings and thoughts all her own, this must be expected. 

Anyhow, after I had Tug for a while, I decided to re- home another rabbit. This rabbit was almost a year old and had never been sheared. Mind you, rabbits must be sheared every 90 days! 

This time, the rabbit was sweet and civilized- although grooming him was still a bit of a catastrophe. However, Thor's sweet nature and clown- like behavior made up for any trouble he gave me about grooming.

The third rabbit was also re- homed. We drove through a blizzard on a 10 *F day to get Eileen. She was living outside in inadequate living conditions. I believe that she would have frozen to death had we not made the trip to get her that day. 

From there, my rabbitry grew. I decided to focus on German Angoras but, because I kept coming across French Angoras that desperately needed homes, I kept taking them in. 

Because of my experience with taking in rabbits, I have come to question the motives of many rabbit breeders. Don't get me wrong- there are many wonderful, decent, kind, responsible and reputable breeders out there- but for every responsible breeder, it seems like there are five irresponsible ones popping up every few months. 

Which begs the question: If so many irresponsible breeders exist, should rabbits be bred at all? 

The "good" guys truly love the breeds they with which they work and do everything in their power to improve the breed and, if it weren't for them and others like them throughout history, we would not have many of the domestic rabbit breeds that exist today. 

Another fact to consider is that the domestic rabbit breeds that exist today have been bred specifically for a task- whether it be meat, wool, confirmation, etc. and thus many natural defenses/ instinct have been bred out of the domesticated rabbit. 

Take Angoras for example: Angoras have been bred for hundreds of years to produce wool. However, they are notorious poor mothers because the instinct to mother properly has been bred out of them while nice wool has been bred in.

 Also, an Angora would not survive in the wild. It would be impossible to escape from predators with long wool that snags on twigs and branches. Moreover, a matted rabbit that ingests its own wool would quickly die from wool block. 

Thus, if one loves Angoras, one must deal with the reality that they must be bred and, furthermore, they must be kept by humans. Wild Angoras would not live past a few generations (at best) and so enjoying them in the wild- away from human irresponsibility- is not an option. 

However, loving Angoras also means that we must insist on responsible breeding and ownership. 

It is so easy for breeders to point their fingers at rabbit owners and claim that, once a rabbit leaves their premises, they are no longer responsible for the care and future outcome of the rabbit's existence. I believe that this statement is a cop- out. 

While I understand that it is unfair to blame breeders for the actions of their customers, it is hard not to blame when I have re- homed 3 rabbits from the same breeder. Moreover, I have re- homed a few grandbunnies from rabbits bred by this breeder as well. This indicates an issue with the breeder as well as her customers.

Tug Bunny, Thor, Eileen and the others are living examples of irresponsible breeding and ownership. Their breeders obviously didn't care where they ended up- the fact that they were making money off of them was all that mattered.  This is irresponsible (not to mention, amoral and unethical). 

Therefore, anyone who intends to breed should do so responsibly. On the same note, anyone who chooses to purchase an Angora (or any breed of) rabbit, should do so from responsible, reputable breeders. 

As an Angora rabbit breeder, I believe that it isn't enough for me to state facts and argue a position. Actions speak louder than words. I believe that- to some extent- any rabbit exiting my rabbitry will always be my responsibility because I chose to bring him/her into the world thus am responsible for their welfare- both long and short- term. I also believe that any responsible rabbit breeder to do his/ her best to educate the public on Angora rabbit care and the difference between a responsible and irresponsible breeder. We must also be ready and willing to take in rabbits that need a home because we are all- in some small way- to blame for neglect and irresponsibility because we are simply another spoke on the wheel. 

In closing, the name Tug Bunny was chosen because- instantly- she was a living, breathing creature that tugged on my heart strings- in so many ways. Because of her, I developed a deep love and respect for Angora rabbits. Also, because of her, I developed a strong dislike for irresponsible breeders and owners and a strong desire to change things.

On a positive note, though, Tug Bunny is responsible for starting it all. I never would have spun if it weren't for her. I never would have re- homed any rabbits if it weren't for her. I wouldn't feel so passionately about responsible rabbit breeding and ownership if it weren't for her. Most important, however, is the fact that knowing her helped me to come to a decision to a problem with which I had been grappling for years: to start or not start a business. 

Thank you, Tug Bunny!

Wool Block

Yesterday morning I lost one of my latest rescues to wool block. While I knew that he came with a wool block issue, I had no idea just how severe and chronic his issue was. 

His previous owner stated that he had suffered from wool block and was given dandelion leaves as a "cure." I took this information in with a grain of salt- knowing that dandelion leaves don't "cure" wool block and that, should he really have wool block, I should be able to treat it. 

It is important to mention that the rabbit was living on white bread, hay and the occasional dandelion. 

However, once the rabbit came home and was under observation, I noticed that his wool block issues were much worse than I had originally thought (and had been told). His poops were tiny and raisin- like with the occasional "string of pearls." He rarely ate his pellet ration- which I attributed to the fact that he had not been given pellets at his old home and most likely needed to warm up to them. At first, he would eat little bits of hay but would mostly eat dandelions, grasses, plantain, etc. from the yard. He also gingerly ate banana with enzymes.

When he began eating less, I did an emergency shear and began pushing enzymes, greens, grasses, and hay- forgoing pellets altogether. The shearing was rough because he was skin and bones... it was difficult to shear around his hips because his bones jutted out and made it hard to shear close to the skin without nicking him. When I was finished, I was horrified. 

While I had weighed him shortly after he arrived, I figured that he was just a small buck- like another French Angora I rescued who just happens to be small. I had no idea how thin he was. I also noticed that the wool on his stomach as essentially one large mat and that he most likely had not been sheared/ groomed on his belly for years- if ever. 

At this point, I realized how sick he had been- most likely for months. 

While every attempt was made to save him, the wool block was simply too severe to fix and he passed away. In the end, after we had run out of medical/ home- care options, we did our best to make him comfortable and brought him inside our house to go in warmth and comfort. He was not alone and we saw to it that his suffering was minimal. 

I am still in shock over his death. I also feel angry. 

Wool block is preventable and anyone who CHOOSES to "own" an Angora rabbit should know how to prevent, spot, and treat wool block. Every breeder who CHOOSES to sell Angora rabbits should also choose to educate potential Angora owners regarding the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of wool block. 

Apparently, neither owner nor breeder in V's case chose to act responsibly. 

Wool block is serious; IT CAN BE LETHAL. It is, however, both preventable and treatable. 

What is wool block? Wool block is a condition in which ingested hair, undigested food matter, and mucous form a mass that blocks or inhibits healthy digestion. It can lead to infection, starvation, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, fatty liver and kidney failure. 

It is important to understand that:

 (1) rabbits- being very clean animals- are fastidious groomers. This is a given. If you have a rabbit, he will groom himself. 

(2) Rabbits, unlike cats and dogs, cannot cough up ingested wool. 

Therefore, wool in a rabbit's GI tract is inevitable. 

So, if one wishes to concentrate on prevention, the solution(s) ought to be apparent. 

1) Keep your rabbit well- groomed. Use a slicker/ rake to pull loosened wool from his coat. Any wool that ends up in a brush won't end up in his stomach. Different breeds require different levels of care. Research the grooming needs of your particular breed and develop a grooming routine. 

2) Keep a shearing/ plucking schedule. Wool MUST be removed from an Angora rabbit every 90 days. Shorter wool is less of an issue when it comes to ingestion while longer wool is. Moreover, molting Angoras will naturally release their wool every 90 days (or so) and WILL ingest any wool that is not removed. 

3) Feed high- quality, high- fiber, high- protein pellets or a suitable non- pellet substitute. 

4) Ensure that your Angora has access to hay AT ALL TIMES. Unlike other rabbit breeds, Angoras must have access to hay at all times. A hand full given a few times a week won't cut it. 

5) Make sure that your rabbit has access to clean, fresh water at all times. 

6) Make sure that your rabbit is getting enough exercise.

7) Be observant. Learn to recognize normal from abnormal. Poops connected to each other by strands of wool is a warning sign- indicating that the rabbit is ingesting large amounts of wool but that his digestive system is working correctly to expel it. Small, dry, raisin- like poops indicate worsening/ advanced wool block. Going off feed is a symptom of serious/ advanced/ lethal wool block and aggressive medical/ home treatment should begin ASAP. No poops/ eating in a 12- 24 hour period is considered a veterinary emergency. 

Remember that rabbits are prey animals and, as such, will attempt to hide the fact that they are ill. A rabbit owner who knows his rabbit(s) will be better qualified to judge what it typical and what isn't. Someone who spends quality time with her rabbits will be more likely to sense that something is off. Going off feed usually means that an ailment has progressed to the point of extreme severity and is always considered a medical emergency. 

If you don't have the time to observe and/ or get to know your rabbit, you are most likely not the right person for the rabbit in your care and should consider re- homing your rabbit with someone who has time/ is willing to spend time with the rabbit in question. 

The main goal is to prevent the ingestion of too much/ too long wool while also dealing with the fact that your rabbit will ingest some amount of wool; a  high- fiber diet will help move any ingested wool along. The aforementioned preventative measures should be considered the bare minimum that can/ should be done to help prevent wool block. 

In addition to the aforementioned preventative measures, I give my Angoras enzymes (bromelain and papain) once a week. During shearing/ molting/ extreme shedding, I increase the amount of enzyme given. I also give high- fiber treats like banana peel. 

I also forage for greens/ herbs in my yard. Some healthy edibles for rabbits are: most grasses, dandelion, cleavers, chick weed, plantain, dock (2- 3 times/ week; always before plant sends up flower stalk), clover, and willow, berry, grape and non- stone fruit tree leaves and branches. 

Please remember that prevention is more effective than treatment for severe wool block (if it can be treated at all). I won't go into treatment options because I truly believe that, if a breeder is responsible and educates his/ her customers, and is more interested in finding rabbits a good home rather than making money, deaths and serious injury from wool block would be rare. If rabbit owners took responsibility for the health and welfare of the rabbits in their care, wool block wouldn't have to be an issue. 

V did not have to die. Had he been cared for by those who CHOSE to be his caregivers, he would still be alive today. Please remember that, the rabbit doesn't chose his "owner," but instead is chosen by his owner. Angora ownership/ breeding is a conscious decision and there is simply no excuse for people who behave irresponsibly and negligently with regards to the rabbit for which they have decided to care. 

A note to the negligent (you know who you are): it is not my responsibility or desire to defend your actions. You- the human being- have chosen not to properly care for the rabbits in your possession. While you speak loudly through your actions, the rabbits in your possession have no voice and therefore are the victims in need of defense. 

Introduction

When I decided to breed Angora rabbits, I started off bright- eyed and cotton- tailed; excited to start off on a wonderful rabbit adventure.

I had just taken in a French Angora who had been previously owned by two other people. We knew nothing about her other than she was originally purchased at a local fiber show. At first, she was shy and a bit difficult but slowly I was able to earn her trust; and I have been in love ever since.

I loved grooming her, feeding her, caring for her in general- and I loved spending time with her. I couldn’t get over how social and how capable she was of forming strong emotional bonds. I also had no idea that caring for a rabbit could be so much work- physical and emotional- and yet also offer so much reward.

Of course, I also loved her wool!

I loved her so much that I decided that I wanted to spread the joy and share my love and my (future) rabbits with the world.

So, I did what I always do when I decide to do something: research. TONS of research. After learning more about Angoras, I want back and forth with regards to becoming a breeder because I realized what a huge responsibility it would be to breed rabbits. The amount of care, grooming, and upkeep would be enormous!

While trying to find out where my Tug Bunny came from, I found a wonderful and experienced breeder with whom I have become good friends. She helped me enormously- by offering advice and playing devil’s advocate when necessary.

My second Angora was also a rescue- another French. I was excited because, unlike Tug, he was “pedigreed.” I was horrified to discover, upon getting him home, that he had NEVER been plucked/ sheared. While French Angoras often are shedding Angoras, if the loose wool isn’t brushed, plucked, or sheared, it becomes a matted, tangled mess- and a health hazard.

My third Angora was the littermate of my second. She, too had never been plucked/ sheared. My husband and I went back and forth about getting her but, a snowstorm and minus 10 degree temperatures made our decision easy. Knowing that she was uncovered and unprotected from the elements, we had no choice.

After realizing that the local market was flooded with French Angoras and that too many were already being bred that didn’t have decent homes, we decided to focus on German Angoras.

We figured that, (1) there weren’t many in our area, versus the multitude of French and (2) the higher price and rarity of Germans would significantly decrease the risk of selling them to negligent and uncaring people.

So, we did our research and bought our Germans and, as far as breeding, focused on them.

However, French Angoras kept coming into our lives. We have since added four more French to our rabbitry; one from the same rabbitry as the second and third rescues, another from the same fiber fest as the first (most likely her litter mate, as they are both chocolates that appear to be French/ Satin hybrids) and three of their offspring.

The last rescues were the straw that broke the camel’s back. They were being fed white bread and the doe was kept in a condition of perpetual pregnancy. The “owner” believed that she would get rich off of them and, ironically, plans to sell more at this year’s fiber fest.

One had wool block so badly that he could not be saved. His death both saddened and angered me because it was totally preventable.

When neglect and abandonment of Angoras is discussed, irresponsible and ignorant owners seem to bear the brunt of the blame. However, when 3 rescues from the same “breeder” are living in my rabbitry, it is impossible for me to adhere to the practice of blame the owner.

As a result of my experiences, I have come to understand that breeders, too, are to blame and that we should be doing more to educate, support, and, if necessary, blame each other and thus ourselves.

In my area, a discussion needs to take place about responsible breeding and selling. When the subject is brought up, I am finding that breeders are more than willing to take a defensive position regarding their breeding practices rather than take a position in which the unwanted and neglected Angoras flooding the area are defended.

I understand that my opinions and positions on matters regarding Angora breeding may ruffle some feathers and that I may not be a popular breeder as a result.

The truth is, though, that life is not a popularity contest and, in the end, I’d rather be someone who stands up for my beliefs and convictions rather than someone who plays it safe in order to make a few “friends” or dollars.

Since Angoras can’t speak up, those that claim to love them must speak up for them. In my opinion, it isn’t enough to claim to be a responsible breeder if one isn’t ready to defend both rabbit and consumer against irresponsible and unethical breeding practices. In my mind, it’s all one in the same.

I am in a unique position to speak out on the subject of irresponsible Angora breeding/ ownership because I have 8 rescued Angoras in my possession. I am highly motivated by what I have seen and heard within the local Angora industry and thus it is going to be impossible to shut me up when it comes to speaking up about Angora welfare.

Throughout my time dealing Angora rabbit breeders, I have gone from excited and energetic to depressed and angry. It has gotten to the point at which keeping silent is no longer an option.

This blog will focus on many subjects having to do with Angora rabbits. First and foremost, there will be no shortage of entries regarding irresponsible Angora owner/ breedership. Second, I intend to write about my rabbits and my experiences with my rabbits. These experiences will include- but will not be limited to- Angora diet, nutrition, care, grooming, and health.