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Barnyard Buddies:  Rabbits  |
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Mama Jewel
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Jewel
Sweet Peas Farmette,
Bend, OR
USA
435 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 7:10:41 PM
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The newest edition of MJF was very timely... I've been thinking about angora rabbits for the pet aspect, the poop for compost & the fur for hand spinning on a drop spindle to knit with! Has anyone made yarn with rabbit fur using *only* a drop spindle? Also, our humane society has a rabbit that they're calling a "mixed breed." The rabbit has longish fur & looks very much like part angora. Do you think I would be able to brush & use its fur for making yarn or am I in fantasy land? (lol) 
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette
"Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14
http://www.piecemama.etsy.com |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2010 : 12:18:47 AM
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Hi Jewel! We actually live near Angora Gardens, a social rehabilitation program which includes an old farmhouse museum, botanical gardens and a whole bunch of beautiful Angora rabbits. They teach visitors all about Angoras - everything you could ever want to ask. And I know they used to sell their products made from their Angora's fur, but I'm not sure if they still do. I haven't been there in a couple of years, so I tried to find a website for you, but was only able to find general information. I'm going to send it to you. Maybe the email contact person would be helpful in answering some of your questions if our farmgirl sisters are unable to do so. :) I hope this will help - good luck! - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2010 : 06:27:43 AM
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Anything with long hair can be spun-even dog hair! Try it-what have you got to lose!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2010 : 10:50:06 AM
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OH MY YES!!! Angora fiber is a exotic fiber that bring great money to those of us who raise and spin. There are tons of us who raise, spin and sell the rabbits, fur and finished products. Please do some research, go to show and ask tons of questions from those of us who do this for a living. They are wonderful additions to anyone's home and farm if you know what you are doing so please ask away and those of us who do this would love to help.
I love spinning right from the bunny at shows - the folks are so amazed.
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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mcorwin
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Megan
Ohio
78 Posts |
Posted - Nov 18 2010 : 5:33:59 PM
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| As a knitter, I fell in love with the idea of an angora when I saw the new issue. Can they live inside or do you need an outdoor hutch? I guess I need to research how much work they would be, but they sure look cute. |
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2010 : 05:07:13 AM
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When I was a teen , I showed and raised rabbits. I had Angoras,and meat rabbits. At that time there was very little known market for the fur. But if you spin it, you can get it sold. I loved my rabbits. Sometimes I wish all I had were rabbits and goats!!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
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happydaze
True Blue Farmgirl
136 Posts
lorraine
atlanta
ni
USA
136 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2010 : 1:24:08 PM
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| Angoras do make great pets, too! They are bred to be handled easily...I just love them!! |
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tail spin farm
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Renee
St. Johns
Michigan
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2010 : 04:08:25 AM
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Hi Jewel!
I started spinning on a drop spindle after I took a class about 7 years ago and was hooked!!! My next goal was finding fiber. We only have under 2 acres of land so I had to find something small enough to fit here. After attending a fiber festival, and doing a ton of research, I saw for the first time in my life Angora rabbits and fell in love! I received 2 that year for Christmas from Hubby and have loved every minute of it! We now raise a whole "flock" of them. I have had upwards of 20 some at one time. I almost did not "do" angoras because I read so often on-line that the fiber impossible to spin without mixing it with another type of fiber. I spin almost 100% angora all the time and have made some beautiful products from that (hats, scarfs) You can see our stuff here: www.tailspinfarm.blogspot.com and on our Etsy site at Tail Spin Farm. Another batch of French babies is due any day. Angoras have a wonderful temperment and are easily handled. The grooming is somewhat time consuming, but necessary for the rabbits health and without grooming you wouldn't have any fiber to spin anyway!! I would love to answer any questions you may have!
Blessings,
Renee
Tail Spin Farm |
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Daizy
True Blue Farmgirl
1005 Posts
Daizy
Talladega
Alabama
USA
1005 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 6:42:17 PM
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Hay Renee, Love the farm name...I'm at the Poor House Ranch and have been seeking out and investigating different livestock. I have been leaning toward sheep, the mini cheviots but the other prospect is the angora rabbits. I have had rabbits all my life, some as a kid, and then for my kids and then, more recently, rescued from our area shelters. (They call when they can't find homes for farm type animals....many many adoptions!!!) I don't spin. I would like to raise and tend something that can help pay its way, for a change. Is there a market site for the fiber? Do you brush each rabbit every day?
PHR Farmgirl #1093
A good day is when you find ALL your ear tags! I wonder how my cows would like my Farmgirl apron?? |
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tail spin farm
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Renee
St. Johns
Michigan
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 5:42:18 PM
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Hi Daizy,
I am slowly finding my way at marketing this. I am finding that there is a market for the raw fiber (but that won't pay for the rabbits:)) I am hoping this year to put some more time and plans into my business. I have been successful breeding and selling the rabbits, so far I have never been "stuck" with more rabbits than I wanted, they have always sold. You might check out your area for other angora farms and see if you would have the niche in the market. I have had many requests even to ship my rabbits out of state (alot down south), which I don't do. We don't brush each rabbit every day, they are on a rotating weekly schedule. When it gets warm, I will shear all of them.
Renee
Tail Spin Farm |
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 05:07:04 AM
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I love how you do the rotating schedule! I really miss my angoras!I need to do some thinking here!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
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elilakat
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 09:37:59 AM
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I can't find any angoras here in Texas. I'm not in the market to buy any just yet. (i need to get everything ready ahead of time) I'm doing lots of research and learning as much as I can. Does anyone know where I could find angoras around here? Plus, I'm going to have to ask lots of questions from everyone who's seasoned at taking care of these beauties.
Farmgirl Sister #2544 |
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Downhome CountryGirl
Farmgirl in Training
42 Posts
Sam
Klondike
Texas
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 2:00:24 PM
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Kara,
I live here in Texas not more than two hours away and I saw some last fall at one of the local Atwoods where they have the chicks, ducks, they also had rabbits and angoras where one of the breeds. I have also found them on Craigslist, and my search was in the Dallas, Ft. Worth area. Good luck. If I find any I'll let ya know.
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2011 : 5:37:43 PM
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go to www.arba.net and look at the breeder links!
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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elilakat
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2011 : 03:48:13 AM
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Thanks Sam and Brandee!! *hugs*
Farmgirl Sister #2544 |
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Barnyard Buddies: Rabbits |
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Rabbits
