Guest Author - Pegg Thomas

Angora rabbits are a wonderful way for spinners to raise a bit of their own fibers without the cost and time commitment of other types of livestock. Rabbits are easy and fun to keep but before buying a rabbit, make sure you have all the needed items in place. It’s amazing how often people will succumb to that cute little bunny at the fiber show when there is no cage, no feed and no place for it at home.

The most commonly used type of cage for a rabbit is an all wire cage that is kept in a building such as a shed or garage. There are many name brands to choose from. Some have trays to catch the droppings and some do not. The wire lets all droppings and urine out of the cage and away from the rabbit’s coat. Stained, soiled angora fiber is no fun to spin! Even a wooden frame around the bottom of the cage will cause urine to be splashed back onto the rabbit. Hanging the cage works very well or using commercially made supports. Whenever possible, use a 24”x36” cage. This gives the angora rabbit lots of room to move around and not rub their lovely coat around on the wire sides. Let’s not encourage felting by tight quarters!

There are many types of feeders and water containers for rabbits. For feeders, the screen bottomed type with an outside hopper are great. There are several different brands. They stay clean, are easy to fill and help prevent upper respiratory problems that can occur from breathing in dusty feed.

Water is so important to rabbits and angora rabbits in particular. I personally do not like water bottles for larger breeds of rabbits. It takes more time and energy for the rabbit to get the water out of the bottle, and may restrict water intake. I use crocks and find that not only do the rabbits drink well out of them, but they will cool themselves in the summer months by putting their front feet in for a soak. You can almost see the “ahhhhhh” of pleasure on their faces. Heavy pottery type crocks work better than plastic that rabbits can chew and throw.

Commercial rabbit feed is a fully balanced ration that you do not need to add anything to for your rabbit’s basic health. If you are one who loves to give treats, there are a few things you can stock up on that are healthy choices and good for your pet.
1. black sunflower seeds in the shell
2. whole oats which have more fiber than rolled oats
3. cracked corn very small amounts
4. baby carrots
5. apple slices
6. hay cubes
7. fresh grass or timothy hay

If you’re giving sunflower seeds, whole oats or cracked corn, but sure it’s not more than a heaping teaspoon a day. Too much will discourage the rabbit from eating the pellets that contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Hay cubes and fresh hay can be messy and get into the wool, but can be a nice occasional treat. Avoid greens with high water content such as lettuce and cabbage. These can cause digestive upset to rabbits raised on a dry pellet diet.

Life in a cage can be a little boring, so having a couple of toys for your new rabbit is a good idea. You may want a few different kinds so that you can change them around for variety. Here are some good choices:
1. plastic golf balls, the kind with holes in them
2. cleaned tuna or cat food cans, paper removed and no sharp edges
3. a dog choke chain to hang from the top of the cage
4. clean pop cans, tabs removed

Angora rabbits do need to be groomed. A handy grooming table, something about waist high, is nice. Attach a piece of carpet for the rabbit to be able to sink its toenails into and feel secure. Slippery surfaces are scary to a rabbit. Have on hand a good metal toothed dog comb for helping to remove mats and a soft, cat styled slicker brush to keep the coat brushed. Many people use grooming blowers to keep the coats open and nice, but they are very pricey for one or two pet bunnies.

Now you’re ready to pick out a nice rabbit and start enjoying the benefits of homegrown fibers and a happy, healthy pet.