‘Les the Quack’s Column’

Leaky Faucet

I don’t know if anyone else has noticed, but I find it is only bucks that have stubborn eye problems that refuse to clear up. Well I have found one solution that at least gives temporary relief. You must I’m afraid do the unthinkable – put a buck in with a does and leave them for a time together for a couple of weeks! After a recent clipping binge the temperature plunged – I wanted some babies so I put some pairs together. I figured that they would keep each other warm! The result was – apart I hope from the obvious! – that the bucks with eye problems were cured. How permanent a solution it is I don’t know, I will report in the newsletters. (L.Taylor)

The Tinct. Of Euphrasia is better used at the dilution of 2-4 drops per half a tumbler of cool boiled water, which is double the strength I suggested before. It works better. (Y Hobbs)

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A Woolly Tale

Fur is flying everywhere –
Angoras are the cause:
we eat it in our sandwiches,
It’s sticking to our jaws.
Jackets all have woolly linings,
Skirts with silky threads are shining…
It is a tangled web they weave –
Where they get you’d never believe!
Its quite an adventure sucking a toffee –
Long threads are floating about in our coffee.
Its known as a high fibre diet –
I wouldn’t recommend you try it!
The hoover is all clogged with threads –
We even find wool in our beds!
My erstwhile friends just sit and grin,
Noticing the state I’m in.
A furball cure is what I need
When grooming such a fluffy breed,
It isn’t the poor rabbits’ fault –
‘Tis I who need the Kittymalt!!

Poem by Yvonne Hobbs, written for the 1992 Yearbook

Ramblings by Mary Tomlinson

This is an article from the 1998 yearbook  called ‘Ramblings” written by Mary Tomlinson. Lesley has pleaded for items for the year book, (no change) so here goes! These are not necessarily in the right order, but are being noted down as they come into my head, as the title suggests ‘Ramblings”

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London Championship Show

This year the National Angora Club Stock Show as well as the London Championship show were held virtually. The Judge was Mrs Gemma Mckell who said it was a pleasure to judge the angora stock show but also proved difficult, as pictures do not really do these beautiful rabbits justice. Nice to see them all groomed, and ready for a show. Stay safe everyone, hopefully we will all be out showing and enjoying our wonderful hobby soon!!!

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Felting fun

Felting fun using natural wool products

For fun I have started felting and started to create some bunny rabbits and hares out of natural fibres including Angora wool. It is a fun process and the end results can create some characterful creatures. If you want to make your own and need natural wool products get in touch.

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Virtual Fibre-East 2020

Rio, the Sooty Fawn Angora, sitting patiently for his haircut. Afterwards he will be out on the lawn, digging some very big holes!

The National Angora Club is a non-profit making society which promotes the Angora rabbit and its welfare. Our members are spinners, exhibitors and companion animal owners. We sell the surplus wool of our rabbits to go towards the costs of keeping them. We keep our Angoras ethically, making it an expensive hobby. Vaccination alone can cost £70 per rabbit per year! 

We produce Angora wool ethically by shearing the rabbit every three months. This does not harm the rabbit in any way. Rabbits sit quietly on the owner’s knee to be sheared. Wool is sorted into best quality spinning wool (above 2.5 inch staple) and second quality felting wool (coarser wool from chest and tummy, and shorter lengths.) Spinning and felting wool in White and a variety of colours is available by mail order. We also sell wooden bottom whorl drop spindles at prices suitable for just having a go.

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Swaying Angora rabbits

Natural swaying of an English Angora rabbit

Do not be alarmed if your English Angora rabbit sways in their hutch. This is quite normal behaviour and is seen a lot in the White Angora more so than coloured angoras.

Playful Angora’s

English Angora playing in her hutch with a toy ball

English Angora rabbits all have their own individual personalities, they are generally good tempered and calm but do have a playful side. Often when they are ready to be separated from their mother and other babies they can find this process a bit unsettling so it doesn’t hurt to place suitable toys in their hutches for comfort and play.

Clipping an Angora rabbit

Before clipping a White English 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.

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