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Barnyard Buddies:  Calling all FIBER Breeders  |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 11:38:10 AM
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I know that there are tons of farmgirls out there who LOVE their FIBER animals and can not imagine a day with getting their hands into that lush fiber and creating something or just fondling it for hours.
I am thinking out loud here but have you needed a bit a help in caring for them, finding a way to get those bags of fiber out of your barn and into the hands of some talented folks, needing a kick start to your creative thought process while you sit in the cold barn waiting for your newest addition to the farm - Well, what you say we talk to each other, share thoughts and make 2011 the best fiber year every!
So let's talk Alpacas thru Yaks - Everyone kind of fiber under the sun and in the barn....
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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modjeska
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Lisa
Salina
Kansas
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 2:43:08 PM
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I am considering purchasing some angora goats. I currently have a handful of boer goats. I would like to know if this can be a profitable endevor. I have always wanted to own fiber animals. I don't need to make alot of money and of course don't want to lose money. Looking forward to your advice.
Lisa Logan |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 3:25:34 PM
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Hi Lisa I am so excited to meet you and I think you might have typed over on the Sheep and Goat thread too. I wanted to get new folks talking because the other thread I started was getting so long that folks where getting weighted down with all of it and not getting answers.
I am here to help - YES, it sure can be profitable but as you know with Boar Goats you have to start out with as much information as you need and a bit of skill never hurts. You already know goats and fiber goats are very similar but there is a bit more to their care and of coarse there is the fiber and what to do with it to get the best price.
Do you do any fiber art now? If not I would suggest start reading about it and then start to form questions so we can get you the information that will make your new adventure profitable.
With the right stock, best fiber possible, knowedge of what to do and sell it for will all aid in getting the prices you need. It does not happen over night but if you love fiber then this is a great way of getting there. I am so excited to start these talks with you and my hope is that others will join in and share they wealth of knowledge with us all.
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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modjeska
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Lisa
Salina
Kansas
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 8:34:54 PM
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Thanks Grace. Yes Idid post on the sheep site and then got kind of lost and couldn't find it again:) I am new to the farmgirl sisterhood and new to chat rooms(in case you couldn't tell haha).
I am a knitter and have wanted to spin my whole life. Not sure what kept me from it,but I am looking into that now. I am doing the research now. I was considering angora goats and colored angora goats. I am very interested to hear of others experiences.
Lisa |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 03:43:35 AM
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I enjoy raising sheep, love all types of fiber. I enjoy the whole process of skirting, washing, carding, spinning, knitting, weaving, and felting. I also sell fleeces, rovings and soon I plan on selling yarn from my spinner's flock of 43 head. I enjoy talking (24/7) to others about sheep and fiber.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 06:54:37 AM
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Lisa here is something I have found over the years - get good light colored Angora's - when it comes to over dyeing those rich tones that cvome from it are worth a bunch more then just the white. I have plenty of whites in my herds but top dollar goes to the colored fleeces..
What type of knitting do you like to do??? As I am sure you know Mohair lace shawls are all the rage and there is great money involved in producing designer shawls - great market and tons of custom work to be had. I am spinning some for a artist who does custom work and I am getting around .58 cents a yard. Spinning wools only nets me .10 a yard. If I add bead or other focal embellishments the price jumps to 1.00 to 1.50 per yard or more depending on the embellishments. So that is also where your herd will pick up on the profit side.
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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modjeska
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Lisa
Salina
Kansas
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 07:52:22 AM
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| I have found a colored angora breeder just 25miles from me and a breeder of white angoras just 1 hour away. I am still waiting to hear back from them. I am hoping to visit their farms and chat with them about their experiences. I am looking for a spinning class in my area. not as easy as it sounds in central Kansas ;). I have been knitting for a few years. I strated with scarves and have moved on to baby hats and sweaters, gloves etc. I do love knitting and do it almost everyday. I also am planning on speaking with the ext. office and Kansas State Uni. |
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lsarah
True Blue Farmgirl
256 Posts
Lori
Greenwood
Arkansas
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 10:34:00 AM
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Hello! I have a small fiber herd of Border Leicesters, Shetlands, crosses between those two, Cotswolds, and some "mutts" with really pretty fiber. I process as much of my fleece as possible myself. I am relatively new to raising sheep and will probably lurk a lot to fill in the huge gaps in my knowledge.
~Lori
She works with eager hands...Proverbs 31:13
http://www.sarahkatefibers.etsy.com
www.sarahkatefibers.blogspot.com |
Edited by - lsarah on Jan 25 2011 10:34:59 AM |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 1:38:33 PM
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As far as fiber animals I am down to just one icelandic ewe (black) and one Navajo Churro ram lamb (white) and sure miss my little angora doe. I plan to get one again for sure some time. I would like to find a colored one this time. I miss my old moorit Icelandic ewe who died last year as well (at the age of 10) her color wool was awesome. When I lived in a cooler place in the summer time (coastal calif)I had a lot of angora rabbits as well.
I am glad you started this thread~!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 9:36:53 PM
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I would like to know more about angora rabbits. how to care for them and when to shear etc. If anyone can help me out ...thanks great thread....
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
Beverley with an extra E...
https://sites.google.com/site/bevsdoggies/
http://bevsdoggies.blogspot.com/ |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 04:32:32 AM
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Alee I will take your dog fur. There is a huge market for spinning dog hair. I had a friend who was looking to earn extra money while she went back to college. I took her to one dog show with my wheel and business cards. I brought some of my Great Pry Hair and started spinning - within 15 minutes I had a crowd and but the end of the show I had three dozen contract to spin yarn for folks from their dog fur. I was amazed that folks had bags and bags kept without any thought as to what they where going to do with it. So I set my friend up with a business and to this day she makes incredible money from just spinning dog hair...
I also worked with a vet who would give folks my card when their animal was to be put down - I would spin for them to make into a rememberance keepsake. By the way Dog Fur from double coated dogs is warmer then most wool - they are like a Musk Ox in type. I have a book that I sell about spinning and knitting with dog fur - Great Fun!
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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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 04:41:06 AM
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Oh Jenny I did not know your gal passed away.. I am so sorry for your loss. Your right about getting a colored Angora - you will love the fiber and I know you will love they way they dye out... Great to have you here because you have some great knowledge to share..
Sarita and Lori are wonderful resources with sheep and fiber - great to have you and ladies they have much to share. I know you are all getting ready for lambing season but I was wondering if you might share what changes in your breeding programed you have done to get improvement on your fleeces??? Maybe what you are planning for the coming year in your fiber business??
As for me - I selected a billy that has staple lengths of over 9 inches but what I selected him most for is on one locket there is color varies of cream, cinnamon and silver. This will give me hopefully many more colores in the offspring while increasing the poundage of fiber and length. He is also a twin and is a big guy so I am also planning for a bit larger stock this year. Finger crossed and soon those babies will start to appear.
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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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 04:52:37 AM
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Welcome Beverley
I raised French Angora Bunnies for about 9 years or so and loved them dearly. There are a couple of thoughts about shearing the fiber. Some say that if you pluck the fiber over time you get less and less. Others say that if you cut you get more uneven lengths, blunt ends which are hard to control when spinning and more matts each season. I can only speak for myself and those that I raised over the years - I plucked the fiber and that meant they only harvested twice a year. I found no change in the quanity or quality of the fiber and some bunnies where 8 to 10 years old and still producing wonderful fiber. Matts happen by management and also some breeds such as the English are much more pron to them. I found also color Angora Bunnies had less matts then the whites and that has to do with the genetics that produce color.
There are many good books on the market about their care and fiber if you need titles I would gladly provide them for you - I also have a few on my sale table at the farm. I ran about 28 to 30 French Angora's for my fiber business but now I have a couple of farms who are rescue farms which I purchase their fur from - want to support those folks as much as I can.
If you have more questions please ask away and I would love to hear more about what you do and what plans you might have for bunnies.
Again, Welcome.
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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modjeska
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Lisa
Salina
Kansas
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 07:29:48 AM
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It sounds like alot of people have sheep. I have been looking into angora goats because I love the temperment of my boer goats. Also I can graze them with my horses and they eat differnet grasses and weeds then the horses. I know there are issues with grazing sheep and I only have acres and only about 21/2 are fenced for grazing.What are the benefits of one over the other? I also love the idea of spinning dog hair as I train and show dogs and go to alot of dog shows.
It's so great to hear everyones stories.
Lisa |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 08:31:55 AM
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Lisa, since I raised both and have sold all of my sheep you can tell I am a bit on the side of my fiber goats. Several reasons - first there is much more things that can go wrong with sheep then goats. I find goats thrifty with their feed and grazing. There are less plants that will harm goats then sheep but that does not mean just turn them out into anything. I get a much higher price for the fiber and animals then what sheep will bring and I had female goats in their 20th year still having healthy babies and fiber (that is rare but you will be hard pressed to find that in sheep)but again all of this depends on who you purchased and how you take care of them. Don't get me wrong I LOVE SHEEP, but now that my sons have moved on I could not run 175 sheep and be profitable by myself. Money wise when I can get $19.00 for a ounce of cashgora verses a couple of dollars per pound of top wool - the math was simple for me..
How about the rest of you ladies - I know you have great reasons behind your decissions.
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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Catherine L
True Blue Farmgirl
408 Posts
Cathy
Newton
Texas
USA
408 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 08:40:16 AM
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Grace, I have been thinking about angora rabbits also, but it is all so new. I live in Southeast Texas and our summmers are hot and very humid. Can these rabbits handle the heat and humidity? I would like to know some of the book titles you mentioned. I need to do some reading. Thank you, Cathy
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 09:18:07 AM
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Grace- I shave Sky about twice a year so I'll try to shave her before she blows her undercoat and send it to you! :) The undercoat is really soft and not scratchy at all. I can finger spin it so I assume actually having a spinning wheel would help!
It's neat that you were able to get a business set up for your friend like that!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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lsarah
True Blue Farmgirl
256 Posts
Lori
Greenwood
Arkansas
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 09:23:00 AM
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I don't have the beautiful fiber goats like Grace, just a few of your run-of-the-mill, weed eating goats. I personally like my sheep better because the goats will not stay in the fence. Now, mind you, I have very little in the way of a pretty yard, so the only thing they are doing when they get out is helping with mowing and fertilizing the yard. But, if there is the slightest hole or weak spot in the fence, they will ferret it out and make a break for it. I do have one sheep that has read the same book on escaping fences, but just one out of 29. Every single one of my goats has been in my yard multiple times.
But Grace is so right - sheep are more fussy than goats to care for. We might have had some fiber goats, but hubby was so aggravated at the ones we had, by the time we decided to enter the fiber world, he wouldn't even consider goats.
~Lori
She works with eager hands...Proverbs 31:13
http://www.sarahkatefibers.etsy.com
www.sarahkatefibers.blogspot.com |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 10:00:33 AM
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I didn't consider goats for the same reason as Lori. I have fencing but my neighbors goats are always getting out. I got Shetlands for several reasons. The first is that I have a breeder in my neighborhood. The second is that I like to knit lace and Shetland is great for spinning lace weight yarn with it's long staple length. The third is that they eat knap weed which is a real problem around here. The fourth reason is that they are on the small side and easy for me to handle than a larger breed might be. I wasn't looking to raise fiber to sell just to spin so my little herd of 6 is plenty for me to handle at least for now.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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Whirled
Farmgirl at Heart
5 Posts
Jennifer
Wamego
KS
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 10:41:09 AM
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Hello, I'm new to these forums and I am so glad to find so many "sisters"!
We have a small fiber farm consisting of 5 sheep (different breeds - all dreamy soft fleeces) one Angora goat and two Angora rabbits (although we are expecting our first baby bunnies any hour now, so that number is soon to change!). I am looking to add a very "lock" type sheep like a border leicester, cotswold or wensleydale very soon because I have fallen deeply in love with tail spinning.
I would encourage anyone to take the leap into growing your own fiber. It is not going to make you rich, but it is extremely satisfying.
http://thewickedstitch.typepad.com/a_whirled_yarn/ |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 10:52:51 AM
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I agree with Jennifer, I will never get rich raising sheep. I love the hardiness of the shetlands, the gentle nature of the BFL and his off spring. My oxfords are larger and take more bawn to deal with. I can't judge the difference with sheep and goats, other than Daniel said, "No goats" and he helps with the sheep...so sheep wool it is!
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
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lsarah
True Blue Farmgirl
256 Posts
Lori
Greenwood
Arkansas
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 11:06:08 AM
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Jennifer - I have all three of those breeds, and I will tell you that I love the disposition of every single one of my Border Leicesters. They are the friendliest sheep on the place. The Cotswolds are on the large side - which means more fleece - but they are very gentle, just not real friendly. My little Wensleydale won't have a thing to do with me, but it is probably more due to the fact that we gave him a bath shortly after we got him and he still holds a grudge. You ought to see him run and hide when I hook up the hose to water at night. It is sad, he is so pretty and I want to be friends.
If you decide on Cotswold and don't have a place to purchase one, I know of a wonderful knowledgeable family that has raised them for years. They are south of you in Oklahoma.
She works with eager hands...Proverbs 31:13
http://www.sarahkatefibers.etsy.com
www.sarahkatefibers.blogspot.com |
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Whirled
Farmgirl at Heart
5 Posts
Jennifer
Wamego
KS
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2011 : 07:41:47 AM
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Oh Lori, you left me with an great mental picture your sheep hiding from the hose! I have never attempted to wash any of ours (we don't show). I could just imagine the indignation, and the sheepy slurs against my character that would erupt should I ever try! For the most part, if I am not carrying grain on my immediate person, they find my existence somewhat insulting anyway. (Except for my corrie, who is a big, mushy baby.)
I've just started investigating lock sheep, and I may take you up on the cotswold info. I haven't found anyone in NE Kansas yet.
http://thewickedstitch.typepad.com/a_whirled_yarn/ |
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lsarah
True Blue Farmgirl
256 Posts
Lori
Greenwood
Arkansas
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2011 : 10:10:11 AM
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Winston was a baby, and very, very greasy, which meant that every bit of dust was sticking to him. Picture a kid with a sucker. So we washed him. That was in late July. He will only sniff of my fingers now, and that is the closest he will come. A couple of my others come just when I call their name. I am envious of Grace who has told of how hers know to come when she signals.
You sound like me trying to find sheep in Arkansas. If you can't eat it or it isn't shown at the county fair, no one has even heard of the breeds I like. We make LOTS of trips to Missouri. I will have Border Leicester babies this spring (I hope!), that will be ready this fall, but I am a ways from you.
~Lori
She works with eager hands...Proverbs 31:13
http://www.sarahkatefibers.etsy.com
www.sarahkatefibers.blogspot.com |
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modjeska
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Lisa
Salina
Kansas
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2011 : 12:47:46 PM
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It's so great to hear everyones experiences. I had 2 boer doelings born last night. At least it wasn't to cold here. The littlest one is lying under my chair now. I had to bring here in and give her a bottle and warm her up this morning. I think she is doing better. I'm waiting to she if she can regulate her own body temp.
Those of you selling fiber; is your market mostly on the internet or local shops. Also does anyone show their goats?
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Barnyard Buddies: Calling all FIBER Breeders |
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Calling all FIBER Breeders
