Beginner Angora Rabbits and Spinning

[@RabbitryandYarns]

A great video to watch, over and over. Intelligent discussion, full of understanding and acceptance.

[@TailSpinFarm]

Thanks for sharing Stephanie!

[@faithinaction100]

I really like your relaxed approach. I just got my first pair of French angora. I'm excited. If feel like this is going to be such a therapeutic hobby. ❤

[@TailSpinFarm]

How exciting! It really is. Thanks for watching!

[@caylarivera2804]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have been trying to research angora fiber since I just started spinning, and I have heard you cannot spin with 100% angora, and it scared me but hearing that you can is such a nice fresh breeze of hope for me.

[@TailSpinFarm]

Thank you for watching! I talk about this often. You can spin 100% Angora! I probably should do another video on this again.

[@ellenforbes6596]

I love uour channel. Im new to angoras and im using you, Stephanie and edwns angora heavily as a resource!❤

[@TailSpinFarm]

Thank you for watching! They are great resources also!

[@TheHarvestchef]

Thank you so much for all the great info! Greatly appreciated!

[@TailSpinFarm]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@stitchinginthesticks2719]

Something to think about for anyone considering raising rabbits in a colony setting. Is that predators, weasels mostly, can be very small and can fit through a space the size of a quarter. Then you have predators that dig and fly and climb and reach through fencing. So you would really need to go all out to keep them safe.

[@TailSpinFarm]

Yes, there is so much to consider, that's why I haven't jumped into this yet. I may end up do a roof extension to our garage and do hanging cages. That will at least get rid of the time spent cleaning drop pans, and I'll still have access to all that wonderful manure for my garden!

[@stitchinginthesticks2719]

@@TailSpinFarm In a similar situation. I move my rabbits outside in the summer under a roof, in their cages up on blocks. Its so much easier to rake out the poops instead of doing trays. In the winter I move them into a shed type of setup, with the trays. I am trying to come up with something so I don't have to move cages.

[@Lola04100]

My rabbits free roam in the house. They are litter box trained. They stay unbelievably clean. There fur doesn't matt or get hay in it. They get along with the cats & dogs. One of my rabbits lived to 13yrs old. Not a method for everyone just wanted share :)🐾

[@conniebueche3989]

I’m about 90 minutes southeast of you! Love finding local artists

[@TailSpinFarm]

How awesome! Me too!

[@woolenbluebird]

Very helpful video. I love spinning one hundred percent angora.

[@TailSpinFarm]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I have a hard time spinning anything else just because I love the feel of angora.

[@JenyaKim-bb6wp]

Thanks for a detailed video! I really liked your energy and passion.I own one english angora rabbit,whose fur I plan on spinning.Would you recommend to get a drop spindle or get the proper wheel?Another question: I feed mostly grains to my bunny and 3rd cut hay, would there be any difference in the quality of the yarn ?Thank you!

[@TailSpinFarm]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I learned on a drop spindle and it's totally doable, but if you're able to, get a wheel. It will save you so much time. I feed mine high protein pellets and timothy hay. Just like humans, the food does matter. Thanks for stopping by!

[@reneedavis5601]

Love all the information. Now I need a bunny.

[@TailSpinFarm]

Good to hear! Yes, Yes you do!! ;)

[@diannemoore3625]

Great video! Excited to see more!!

[@TailSpinFarm]

Thank you! I have quite the list to make, now to find the time :)

[@dianagarino9821]

Lovely video :) once the weather gets nicer would love to see a bunny or two 🙂🙃if possible

[@TailSpinFarm]

Thank you! It's on my list!

[@jody1750]

Thank you for this information. I've been knitting and crocheting for 40+ years and I've been interested in doing for many years. I'm interested in angora. I've kept basic pet rabbits in the past when I lived in Pennsylvania. I currently live in Florida. I'm concerned about the heat. It's over 80 everyday almost. I am in a suburban area so I don't have a big piece of land. Any thoughts? Is it possible to keep happy healthy angoras here?

[@TailSpinFarm]

If you commit to keeping them cool, then yes. I would have frozen water bottles on hand at all times. Shelter makes a big difference. If you could keep them in an insulated area, like I have now, it should be no worries. Last year was our first year on this property and it was HOT all summer from beginning of May through September. My insulated barn (under big trees) never got over 75 ish. Fans help also to circulate the air.

[@nongshim6223]

i may try to do colony but indoors in a large barn with cement floor and put dirt on it. what do you do if your fiber is dirty or if the bun is a smelly bun? i am about to get my first buns here soon.

[@TailSpinFarm]

I thought about doing that in a section of my barn also. I would use straw, too. I find by keeping my rabbits groomed, they don't get too dirty. Even when they are outside, the biggest problem I have are twigs or leaves get caught up in their feet. I'm in the process of putting stone down that will help that.

[@laurah.6699]

This is wonderful!!! Thank you! I've been really wanting to learn how to use the English Angoras wool. Any chance, do you breed + sell EA? :)

[@TailSpinFarm]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I am just now getting back into breeding and will probably be selling them also. I am in Michigan and don't ship rabbits. Where are you located?

[@lethalaleatha]

Love this. I'm getting two baby angora bunnies in a few weeks. When do I shear them? Is there a certain age or am I looking for a good staple length? Or maybe just when it gets hot? They are German crossed with Satin so they might not molt. I'm going to ask the breeder too, but I'm wondering what your opinion is.

[@TailSpinFarm]

How exciting!! I'm glad this helped. If you get around a 3" + staple length, you can shear them. I've never had Satin, but the German will definitely have to be sheared and won't molt. I'll be curious to what the cross does :)

[@djja8844]

Could you do an outdoor moveable pen that you just scoot to different portions of grass so they can have big outdoor space and new grass each day like some of the pens salatin uses? You might have to move them indoors at night, like to a shed or garage, or have dogs that are friendly to the rabbits to keep coyotes and stuff away. What about roaming them free in your house but litter trained like a cat?

[@djja8844]

I think Angora wool makes scarves. I thought Angora sweaters were sellable. What about vests? I'm not sure if forearm wraps, leggings, or Angora gloves (sounds difficult) are a thing? Wool socks (sheep) are big with outdoorsmen, canoers, and such because they're warm when wet, but idk if Angora socks make sense because no one can see your socks. I wonder if Cabela's/Dick's/Gander Outdoor would want more wool socks.

[@TailSpinFarm]

Yes, we have had "rabbit tractors" in the past. They work great also. Yes, they are easily litter box trained just like cats. But, I have 20 rabbits right now and that wouldn't work for me. :)

[@TailSpinFarm]

You can make anything with angora while keeping in mind that it doesn't have the "bounce back" or memory of other yarns. Angora socks are nice and warm, but will end up felting at some point just from wear. The bigger picture here is that what I'm doing is time restrictive. Raising, grooming, spinning, and knitting or crocheting won't get you enough socks for the outdoor stores. The process is time consuming.

[@Gimpinalong]

I had two white English angora house bunnies they were very well trained. :)

[@fangkitten8557]

Can angora wool be made into quilt batting ? Thank you for the great information in your videos.

[@TailSpinFarm]

I don't have a lot of quilter knowledge, but I wouldn't think so. Angora is so fluffy and flyaway I'm not sure how you would get it to stay as batting. Also keeping in mind that Angora is considered a "luxury" fiber and can be some what pricey.

[@fangkitten8557]

Thanks for the idea , I might could mix it with sheep wool. I’ve got a robust colony of 17 rabbits so it’s more a case of finding things to do with all this wool , rather then having to pay for it . :)

[@angelakollhoff1444]

So you don’t have to card your fiber?

[@TailSpinFarm]

When I comb my rabbits, I spin it without carding. If I clip the fur, I typically will card it because I don't like the blunt ends.

[@EliDeNeige]

Hi, can angora be felted ?

[@TailSpinFarm]

Yes! It felts great. I like to felt small balls for jewelry with it.

[@shirleyconnell5464]

Do you know anyone that will spin your fiber for you?

[@TailSpinFarm]

Do you have fiber that needs to be spun? I might be able to help you. Email me at [e-mail]