Here is a video showing the process of clipping an English Angora rabbit that was in show coat by Sally May of Bourne Stud Angoras. For more information see the post on clipping an Angora rabbit.
Most Angora rabbit owners clip their rabbit with hairdressing scissors, with the rabbit sat quietly on their knees. Most will sit calmly throughout the process occasionally wriggling and the process is not stressful for them. Here is a step by step of the process with photographs of clipping a White Angora rabbit and separating out the good quality wool for use for spinning from a show coat Angora rabbit.
Angora rabbits like any other domestic rabbit need their nails clipping regularly. It is hard to see the nails though due to their wool and furnishings. However, one of the best times time clip the nails is during coat clipping as part of an all over maintenance and health check.
This year we have had to cancel our Swindon Stock Show and AGM twice now due to Covid 19. So a decision was made to hold a virtual show with the judge still being Sarah Elliott. The show date was Sunday 14th June 2020 with closing dates for entries on the 11th June at 6pm.
So if you are feeling like you need some Angora bunny time then check out the entries and winners below and details of the virtual show. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the virtual event and for all those who entered and joined in with the lockdown spirit and for allowing us to publish your beautiful bunny photos online.
Although Woolfest has been cancelled in Cockermouth this year, it has moved online. There will be a virtual Woolfest, Woolfest Online 2020 on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th June. Do visit the Woolfest Online 2020 Facebook page.
The National Angora Club will be there, selling our wool (we hope) and letting people know about our lovely rabbits. If craft members have never been to Woolfest, then take a look! Well worth visiting in person next year.
It is important for baby Angora rabbits once they start to eat hard food and greens for themselves to be able to offer them a wide variety of suitable food types to ensure they have that balanced diet and grow up to be healthy. Check out a previous post on feeding for more details.
We have a few masks if anyone would like to buy one. There are two types at the moment. They are made from 100% cotton (outer) and 100% silk (inner). They are one size and cost £6 each to National Angora Club (NAC) Members. Postage £1 within the UK. If you would like one please contact Sally May via the NAC Facebook page or via e-mail nationalangoraclub@gmail.com
The National Angora Club are often contacted by people who have bought or rescued a fluffy rabbit, and have been told that it is an Angora. Even the Rabbit Welfare Association may be mistaken, as their Winter 2017 magazine shows. Their article on Angora rabbits pictured 1 Angora, 2 Lionheads and a possible Cashmere Lop. The Club are willing to offer help to people struggling with their rabbit’s coats, but please be warned! Crossbreed fluffy rabbits often have coats that are very hard to care for, matting easily. If you wish for a long haired rabbit, think very carefully of the work involved. Obtain your rabbit from a reputable breeder, who will give life long support, and clipping and grooming lessons before you take your rabbit home. YouTube is not enough!
The National Angora Club had stands at two craft festivals in July and August this year. Fibre-East took place at Redbourne School, Ampthill, Bedford on 27th July, after a very hot week. Thankfully the temperature dropped so it was safe to bring Cheyenne, the Smoke Angora.
Anne demonstrated spinning pure Angora on the wheel, whilst Lesley taught spindle spinning.
