For those “up North” the National Angora Club will be at the Cumbrian Wool Gathering next weekend. Free spindle spinning lessons on the stand (unless me and my mobile telephone are permanently attached to that card machine. I am never sure why people want to pay by card for 90p worth of felting wool! ) Angora wool and spun wool for sale, spinning and carding demonstrations, and , of course, members talking about rabbits!

Everyone likes baby rabbits, but they grow up so fast. In the wild, the mother would abandon them at 25 days old, already expecting her next litter. Our rabbits are cared for by their mother for much longer- and have a much better chance of survival!

Should we come out?

Five 3 week old baby English Angoras, thinking about leaving the nest.

Definitely worth emerging! Trying out kale and grass, with their mother Blue Colorado.

Four weeks old

The breeding hutch is fitted with a rabbit shelf, to allow the mother to jump up and get some peace and quiet. In the wild she would only visit the babies for 5 minutes, once a day, to feed them. The 4 week old babies have taken it over! At least she has the rest of the hutch to herself. Here she is wondering where they have all gone.

Seven weeks old

An afternoon out on the lawn with their mother. The babies have just come back from a visit to the vet’s for their vaccinations. They deserve a treat.

Luckily no signs of stress!

Eight weeks old and time to leave their mother

A week later, and it is time for Colorado, their mother, to go back to her own hutch. She doesn’t seem to mind, and is still on extra rations. After feeding 5 babies, she needs building up! The babies are now developing their ear tufts, and their coats need more grooming. These are Classic English Angoras, with short fur around their eyes, fringes between the ears and wool on their cheeks.

This little rabbit is staying, and needs a name. Here she is, enjoying some barley straw, back in the hutch. Skyrack rabbits have Western or James Bond names, but these are running short. Octopussy has been to the vet’s, but is it wise to take a Pussy Galore? And no-one can ever spell Shenandoah! A newer Bond film gives the little rabbit her name. Meet little Blue Jinx!

Time to part

Another sad moment. The last picture before the little does are split up into different hutches, three in one and two in the other. They need the room! They will still go out on the lawn together every day, but in adjacent pens. There are just two still waiting for good homes. Enquiries via the Club website contact page or via www.skyrackangoras.co.uk

UPDATE: Biscuit and Betty have now found new forever homes in Wales so thank you for all your support and offers, this is great news.

If anyone is able to offer two Angora rabbits a home, there are two called Biscuit and Betty who are in need of re-homing. The current owner has made a very difficult decision but due to a change in their work circumstances, they are struggling to keep on top of their two English Angora’s wool and feel it is unfair on them. 

They think the best way would be to rehome them to someone who has more time and plenty of experience.  They are 9 months old, male and female both neutered. They are currently kept outdoors. 

If you are interested contact the NAC who will put you in touch with the current owner.

The two bunnies that need rehoming are located in Knaresborough in Yorkshire.