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.