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Barnyard Buddies:  best animals for fiber  |
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Tes
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nancy
New Jersey
USA
33 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 19 2010 : 5:44:47 PM
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| I am clueless in terms of livestock, but my dream is that one day I could raise something for the purpose of harvesting the fiber. My idea of heaven would include sitting at a spinning wheel spinning the fiber! I know there are angora rabbits, angora goats (?) and even alpacas. I dont have lots of time on my hands as I work full time. We have about 2.5 acres of property. Currently our only 4 legged occupant is a golden retriever. Just wondering if anyone has any advice? |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2010 : 08:09:35 AM
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Oh Nancy this is one of those topics that can get folks to start a fist fight... Here are the basic questions to ask yourself. You stated you do not have a lot of time and only 2 acres. Then the next is what type of animal experience do you have - a yak is harder to take care of then a bunny... Next how much money do you have to purchase a top notch animal? Next are you wishing to have this just for yourself or to make money? Then what type of a spinner are you??
Once we have those answer determining the animal will be easy. Not trying to sound like a pain but I do this for a living - helping folks design business plans for the fiber business so really these questions have to be answered first... I am here to help and would love to get you going in the right direction so if you wish let start answering the questions and I would love to start you on your fiber adventure....
Blessings and Happy Spinning
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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MeadowCrone
True Blue Farmgirl
220 Posts
Bernadine
Island Park and Salem
ID
USA
220 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2010 : 10:07:50 AM
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I have Icelandic sheep, Merino sheep and Shetland. And Grace is right, there are as many opinions as there are hairs on a Polar bear. Sometimes I wonder if I should sell the flocks and just buy my fibre, because of all the work...lol
Gratefully living on the "fat of the land". |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2010 : 10:39:28 AM
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Your so right - the work involved is the big issue. Don't get me wrong I love my four legged family members but I did sell all 175 of my Icelandic sheep, my 28 alpacas, and my 23 llamas because between the work, hay prices and economy it was too much. However, when I sold them I place a three year contract on their fiber so I still have fiber from them. I spent years breeding quality bloodlines and did not want to lose that. Also, I spent 13 years making a network of breeders that I could purchase fiber from that was the best around. So now I just have my Angora and Cashmere goats which bring in great prices with a work load that works for me. I too have thought I could just purchase fiber and spin all day but where would I get my daily desire for goat kisses???
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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clothedinscarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
1333 Posts
Siobhan
Battle Creek
MI
USA
1333 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2010 : 10:49:19 AM
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Here ya go...no animal purchase necessary for you ;)
http://www.bbkirk.com/Dog%20Hair%20Yarn.htm
Siobhan, wife to my best friend, Trent, and mommy to Camden (11/28/05) and Bennett (7/11/07). and Truman (7/28/09) |
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Tes
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nancy
New Jersey
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2010 : 5:22:59 PM
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| Thanks for the replies!! You can tell that I am a bit wet behind the ears!!! Anyway, as far as my experience with spinning, that is a big zero. It just looks like something that I could really enjoy and it seems as if spinning would be very therapuetic and relaxing. I also would love the animal interaction, so that just buying fiber wouldnt be satisfactory. I wonder if just starting with something small like rabbits would be a good thing for me, seeing as I dont really need lots of space and they probably wont be as costly. I wouldnt worry too much about championship bloodlines or that sort of thing at first. Just a few cute bunnies to get my feet wet and to see if it is something that I can handle. Also, it would be nice to be able to make some money if that is possible. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2010 : 5:49:57 PM
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Nancy bunnies are a great start - good quality Angora Bunny fiber brings a pretty penny and your right no special fencing, no large equipment and they can be handled by just about all ages. I sure miss my bunnies - we had 28 French Angora Bunnies - I purchase bunny fur all the time for my shops so it is a money maker and I love sitting a bunny on my lap and spinning right off of them. Bunny kisses and snugs are great too. Not much in start up cost, not like other fiber animals... Good choice.
As for spinning it is my heart and soul - did not know I was a spinner until after I started this farm - so there is no long line of spinners in my history. I found that if you love spinning you will get going quickly and folks seem to know those of use who live to spin - I never run out of customers - I put my heart and soul into each skein I make...
There are many of us who are here to help you get into spinning and on "All things Sheep and Goats" we all spin there too. Once you start it is adictive but a good kind.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Tes
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nancy
New Jersey
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2010 : 6:32:21 PM
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| Grace,, thanks so much for your encouragement, and when I get ready to start I will surely be asking lots more questions! but for starters............what kind of spinning wheel do you have?? Are they super expensive?? and how often do you "harvest" the fur from the bunnies? |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2010 : 7:30:44 PM
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Sounds like a plan and I am so excited for you. Let's see I have about 5 wheels but my love of my life is my Ashford Joy, He has been with me since I started. I would suggest starting with a drop spindal which a good one will cost about $25 to $40. Do not go so cheap that it is imbalanced and you will be fighting it. As for wheels you can spread the words and folks do sell their at reduced prices, you can also get a good deal when going to a fiber show or if you are lucky someone might give you one...
Bunnies usually molt once a year depending on the climate but I did have many French who did it twice a year. English require more grooming the French and German are more work because of size and you really have to know your pedigrees. There are many chat groups for Angora Bunnies - I belong to three so I can keep an eye out for good fiber.
I am so excited for you - it will be so much fun to have another fiber groupy.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2010 : 10:13:47 AM
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Nancy, purchase different types of fiber at fiber shows, off the internet, from advertisers in magazines and then i talked with breeders of the animals that grew my favorite fibers. I would really investigate my options before getting any animals. Also visit a farm with the animal of your choice. I am not trying to discourage you but it will save you lots of time by knowing what you really want and what to expect before you invest.
I have shetland sheep, Border Liecester, BL crosses, Corriedales, Oxfords, ...currently 50 plus head of sheep. It can be a big investment with the feed, the watering, storage, equipment, fencing with any animal, then will you need guard animals to protect to your flock? I love my animals and I am sure you will too.
I started spinning on a Louet wheel and have 5 wheels and it is still my favorite wheel. It has a large bobbin so I can put more yarn on it. I hope you can live your dream...you can make it happen!
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
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Tes
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nancy
New Jersey
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2010 : 4:38:17 PM
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Thanks....I think that I will look into a drop spindle and see about getting angora rabbits. We have a very good rabbit 4-H program in my county so I could start there to see if any one is breeding or would be willing to sell me some of their stock. I would love to get into the larger -four legged varieties (especially alpacas) but for now I will start small and with animals that I know I can handle especially finacially! I will keep you posted!
Nancy----fiber spinner in training!! |
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Lorie Marler
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Lorie
Guymon
Ok
USA
265 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2010 : 1:32:04 PM
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| Tes check out Jersey Woolies too. They are a dwarf breed that also has long fur. I started raising them with the intention of spinning the fibers but haven't advanced that far yet. I do know a lady that spins her Jersey Wooly fibers all the time and she tried to teach me to spin on a Tahkli but I didn't get the hang of it the first time so I am going to try again sometime soon. |
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Tes
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nancy
New Jersey
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2010 : 2:04:08 PM
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| I found a wealth of information online regarding drop spindle spinning complete with how-to videos and even how to make your own drop spindles! The website is www.joyofhandspinning.com. It looks really helpful in that it also gives information on care and feeding of angora rabbits. I think that I will also check into the jersey woolies, but I wonder if their fur turns in the same profit (lol, like I am really close to turning a profit!!!!!) as do the angora rabbits?? |
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Barnyard Buddies: best animals for fiber |
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best animals for fiber
