The Angora rabbit is a domestic rabbit which is one of the oldest types. They are bred due to their long coat of fur fiber, which is known as Angora wool. The wool is put together for various purposes by shearing, combing, or plucking.
Angora wool is a much more preferable alternative for wool as it doesn’t possess any allergy-causing agent as other animals do. And it is said that they’re warmer than the sheep wool.
Angora Rabbits are actually small rabbits with a flat and broad heads but have lots of furs which give them the impression of being large.
They have short and stout ears covered with fur. Their whole body is covered with fleece or wool. It is so thick that the Angora rabbit coat is used as wool.
All About Angora Rabbits Kinds
There are 11 distinct breeds of Angora rabbits. The four of which are recognized by the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) are English Angora, French Angora, Giant Angora, and Satin Angora rabbits.
The remaining includes, Chinese Angora, Japanese Angora, Finnish Angora, Korean Angora, German Angora, St Lucian Angora, Russian Angora, and Swiss Angora. Let’s look at some of the rabbit kinds and the important information about them.
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1. French Angora Rabbit
This breed has a similar resemblance to the original Angora rabbit. It is the second most popular breed of Angora. This rabbit has a strong structure. They have a small tuft close to their legs and their whole body is covered with thick wool.
French Angora rabbits are not high maintenance in diet, bedding, etc. Their wool is used by the public to prepare various types of clothes as the fur from their bodies is smooth and clean. Surprisingly, the fur lengths can grow up to 6 inches in each season.
The fur coat comes in different colors such as white, black, chinchilla, pearl, sable, smoke pearl, fawn, red, squirrel, chocolate, agouti, lilac, etc. The rabbit also has markings on its nose, feet, ears, and nails.
2. Wally Angora Rabbit
Wally belongs to the category of the breed called English Angora. If compared, it is one of the cutest breeds among all. The Wally Angora rabbit has ears that resemble an angel’s wings and also has a majestic fur coat.
They make excellent pets. It is the most sought out pet by humans as they look like puppies or teddy bears.
3. English Angora Rabbit
They are a very small rabbit that has a flat head. Their whole body including the face and the feet are covered with wool. It is the only breed among all the Angora rabbits that have facial fur.
They are lovingly called round balls of fluff because of their thick and soft fur on the body. The fur coat is quite smooth and silky.
However, it should be noted that they require regular grooming as they have a large amount of wool. English Angora Rabbit comes in different colors like chestnut, chocolate, black, blue, chocolate torte, lilac, etc.
They are very lovable pets but don’t forget to com their wool daily. This breed of Angora rabbit is very calm and not at all hot-tempered. They love humans which makes them good pets.
4. German Angora Rabbit
German Angora rabbits were selectively bred for commercial purposes. During the 1960s, the breeders came up with this breed named “German Angora”. These rabbits that were bred are capable of producing 1000 g of wools per year.
They do share a resemblance with the English Angora. The German Angora rabbit has a great amount of fur on its ears, face, and has a cylindrical body shape.
Actually, the fur does not require lots of regular brushing like the other breeds. German Angora rabbits are low maintenance and have a sweet nature. Hence, they are quite popular pets. They love to play with their owners a lot and are very affectionate.
5. Giant Angora Rabbit
The Giant Angora Rabbit was first produced by the mating of German Angoras with the broader commercial breeds. There was a clear visible difference between this breed and the other Angora rabbits.
After that, ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) finally accepted the new Angora breed as Giant Angora rabbit in 1988.
This specific breed has a big body with an oval-shaped head and has tufts of hair in its forehead. They have fringed ears. They can produce a great deal of wool. Giant Angora rabbits come in a variety of colors like grey, brown, and black.
Although, they don’t require special care and are very low maintenance animals they need a large enclosure to live comfortably.
Since they have a large amount of wool, it needs to be regularly brushed to keep it clean. Their wool is used to make clothing pieces like sweaters. One can easily buy Angora rabbit sweaters from local markets.
6. Satin Angora Rabbit
Around 1980, a Dutch woman bred the Copper Satin Doe with French Angora to produce this rabbit named “Satin Angora rabbit”. They have an oval head and a narrow muzzle. They are also known as the Fiber animal.
Satin Angora rabbit was bred to specifically shave their coat for the wool. The process is not at all painful. The fur is usually cut by brushing and chopping it off with the help of scissors. Like human hair, they grow back again.
Satin Angora rabbit comes in different types of colors like White, Grey, Brown, Tan, and a combination of these colors. You can adopt them from any pet shop if you wish to have one in your home. They’re great pets like the other Angora rabbits but one has to take care of their fur and keep it clean.
After learning about the different types of Angora rabbit breeds, let us know more about how to take care of them. We shall discuss their food habits, enclosures, and various facts.
Angora Rabbit Cage
They require good enclosures to live in. So, you have to buy the all wire cage. Or, you could use wooden hutches but cleaning them is quite difficult. Hence, a wire cage is easier and suggested to buy for most of the time.
Although, make sure that you protect the wire cage from heat or any type of moisture during summers. Also, keep in mind that the cage should be large so that the rabbits can live comfortably. These cages can be bought from any retailer shops or online pet shops too.
Angora Rabbit Hutch
The Angora rabbit is very soft and an easy to maintain pet. However, you need to provide them good enclosures for their comfort. It is advisable to buy a user-friendly hutch that is very easy to clean and maintain.
They also don’t cause any harm to the rabbit. Wire hutches are also available. Since Angora rabbits have lots of furs, it can cause discomfort if they shed and their cage is not cleaned properly. To avoid the stacking of the wool, make sure you clean their cage regularly.
Angora Rabbit Food Care
To keep them as a pet, we have to take care of their food habits. All rabbits, including the Angora rabbits, need a diet of 70% Hay. As for the remaining 30%, fruits, vegetables can be added to their diet.
Also, it is best to take care of their necessary proteins, vitamins, minerals required in the diet. With these, they will grow healthily and live long according to their lifespan.
Since their fur coat is quite thick and rabbits groom themselves a lot, they could accidentally eat it and it could get trapped in their digestive system, which is quite life-threatening. Hence, keep their food free of their own wool by making them eat cleanly and properly.
Angora Rabbit Facts
It is always advocated to have general knowledge about an animal before adopting. So, let us learn some interesting and necessary facts about the Angora Rabbits.
- The body of the Angora rabbit is covered with thick fur, so the owner has to groom them regularly. It is advisable to brush your rabbit almost daily and keep their wool untangled.
- Wool from the Angora rabbit or also called the Angora wool can be harvested very quickly.
- There are actually around 11 breeds of Angora rabbits, but ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) recognizes only six that produce a high amount of wool.
- Angora rabbit actually came to the US during the early 19th century.
- The breeders produced the Angora rabbit for commercial purposes as they found out the rabbits have lots of good types of wool on its body.
- The largest Angora breed is Giant Angora and the most substantial wool among all the others.
- While the smallest type among the Angora rabbits is the Jersey woolly.
- Satin Angora rabbit’s fur is not actually harvestable like the other Angora rabbits. They get to keep their majestic fur which makes them very beautiful.
- There’s always one most sought out rabbit among the others. It is Wally as it quite adorable and friendly.
How to Take Care of Angora Rabbit
If you want one as a pet, then you should learn some of the important tactics as to how to take care of the Angora rabbit. Here are some of the few important points to keep in mind.
- The most important thing is to provide them a good and comfortable housing to keep them protected from other animals and harmful things. Angora rabbits are sensitive. Hence, make sure their house is present in a pleasant environment.
- Provide them an adequate amount of food. Keep the necessary nutrients, minerals, etc in check for their diet. They eat lots of hay, fruits, and vegetables. Make sure you provide them that.
- During the shedding season, keep on clipping their wool to the appropriate amount. Don’t let it grow to the point they hamper the rabbit’s health. Also, brush their wool a lot.
- If you harvest them, keep their skin in check for any type of irritations or other problems.
- At last, play with them a lot. Don’t let them be lonely.
Characteristics of Angora Rabbits
Angora rabbits are known for their soft, silky fur, which is used to produce Angora wool. Key characteristics include:
- Long Fur: They have exceptionally long and soft fur that requires regular grooming.
- Gentle Temperament: Angoras are generally calm and friendly, making them popular pets.
- Various Breeds: There are several breeds of Angora rabbits, including English, French, Giant, and Satin.
Angora Rabbit Habitat
Where Do Angora Rabbits Live?
Angora rabbits can be kept indoors or outdoors, provided they have a safe and comfortable environment. Their habitat should include:
- Spacious Hutch or Cage: Large enough to allow movement and equipped with a nesting area.
- Temperature Control: Angoras are sensitive to extreme temperatures; a cool, dry environment is ideal.
- Protection: From predators and harsh weather conditions.
Angora Rabbit Diet
Which Food is Best for Angora Rabbits?
A balanced diet is crucial for the health of Angora rabbits. The best foods include:
- Hay: The primary component of their diet, providing essential fiber.
- Fresh Vegetables: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and parsley.
- Pellets: High-quality rabbit pellets for additional nutrients.
- Fresh Water: Constantly available and refreshed daily.
Angora Rabbit Lifespan
Angora rabbits typically live between 7 to 12 years with proper care. Lifespan can vary based on breed, diet, and living conditions.
Angora Rabbit Wool Production
How Much Wool Do Angora Rabbits Produce?
Angora rabbits are prized for their wool, which is soft, warm, and lightweight. An adult Angora rabbit can produce between 1 to 2 pounds of wool annually, depending on the breed and individual care.
Angora Rabbit Origin
Angora rabbits originated in Ankara, Turkey, historically known as Angora. They were prized for their wool and spread across Europe in the 18th century.
Angora Rabbit Scientific Name
The scientific name for Angora rabbits is Oryctolagus cuniculus.
Angora Rabbit Colors
Angora rabbits come in various colors, including:
- White
- Black
- Blue
- Chocolate
- Lilac
- Fawn
Their color can affect the wool’s market value and use.
Angora Rabbit Litter Size
A typical litter size for Angora rabbits ranges from 4 to 8 kits (baby rabbits). Litter size can vary based on the breed and the health of the doe (female rabbit).
Angora Rabbits as Pets
Do Angora Rabbits Make Good Pets?
Angora rabbits make excellent pets due to their gentle nature and relatively easy handling. They are suitable for both adults and children, provided the children are supervised and taught how to handle rabbits properly.
Aggressiveness
Angora rabbits are generally not aggressive. However, they can become defensive if they feel threatened or are mishandled. Proper socialization from a young age helps ensure a calm and friendly pet.
Cuddly or Not?
Angora rabbits can be very cuddly and enjoy human interaction. Regular handling helps them become more comfortable with being held and cuddled.
High Maintenance or Not?
Angora rabbits are considered high-maintenance pets due to their grooming needs. Their long fur requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to reduce the risk of wool block, a condition where ingested fur blocks the digestive tract.
Is Angora Rabbit Fur Expensive?
Yes, Angora rabbit fur is considered one of the most luxurious and expensive types of wool. The cost is due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting and processing the wool.
Cost of Angora Rabbits
How Much Does an Angora Rabbit Cost?
The cost of an Angora rabbit can vary widely based on the breed, quality, and location. Prices typically range from $50 to $200. Show-quality rabbits or those from reputable breeders may cost more.
Disadvantages of Angora Rabbits
While Angora rabbits are wonderful pets, there are some disadvantages to consider:
- High Maintenance: Requires regular grooming and care.
- Sensitive to Heat: Prone to heat stress due to their thick fur.
- Health Issues: Can suffer from wool block and other digestive problems.
- Grooming Supplies: Need special tools and products for grooming.
- Time Commitment: Requires daily attention and care.
Other Details
Handling and Interaction
Angora rabbits should be handled gently and regularly to maintain their calm demeanor. They enjoy social interaction and can form strong bonds with their owners.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for Angora rabbits to maintain their health. Providing a safe, enclosed area where they can hop and explore is beneficial.
Health Care
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the health of Angora rabbits. They should be checked for common issues such as dental problems, parasites, and wool block.
Breeding
Breeding Angora rabbits should be done responsibly, considering the health and welfare of the animals. It’s advisable to consult with experienced breeders or veterinarians before starting a breeding program.
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Conclusion
The price of the Angora rabbit is not very expensive and affordable. Although the maintenance does take up a bit of money it’s still manageable. They are adorable pets that many people like to adopt into their house.
They are also quite popular for commercial purposes as their wool is used to make sweaters. Angora rabbits are highly intelligent and hence they make a great pet.
In this article, we have discussed the Angora rabbits and their many different types of breeds in a quite detailed manner. We have also provided you necessary facts about them and their food habits.
And also on how to take care of them and what type of enclosure do they require. We hope our article provided you with whatever you needed to know about this excellent pet called Angora rabbits.
