I had a surprise chore this weekend, because I saw the trailing rope of hair on the German Angora that signaled she was ready to be shorn. There was a lot of research I needed to do before I was ready to get started on harvesting my rabbits, but they set the time table here not me. So once again I am learning something new by fumbling my way though it.
So my goal for today was just getting hair off the bunny without her clawing me to death. I succeeded there at least. I got the hang of handling her and rolling her on her side to keep her calm. Putting my hands on her ears to stop her when she got impatient with me. Holding the hair down and sliding my scissors under small rows to cut close. I think by the end I was doing all right. I'm sure the fiber isn't perfect, but since one of my next projects will be to learn to spin I now have a bag to practice with.
I knew from the breeder that I'd need to cover her to keep her warm. Luckily this old sweater arm was just the right size. I've left the fur on around her bottom and shoulders since she lives in an unheated sunroom and it's snowing out. I'll just trim around her bottom so gross things don't get caught down there. I like how it leaves her looking like a slinky dog.
10 comments:
What fun! I've known people that raised rabbits for meat, but never for fiber.
Oh she looks adorable in that sweater arm.
I'm luck that mine all seem to time their molts for summer. I shear them using electric shearers (after a long introduction to the noise - so it doesn't scare them). I use the shearers for the bulk of the bunny, and use scissors for the fiddly bits. I don't think it's any faster, by I do find my fibre is more even that way.
I'm yet to try spinning the fibre, it's meant to be a lot slipperier then sheep :S
Interesting.... can't wait to read more.
What a cute bunny! How many do you have, just the one? I never really considered getting rabbits before, but if I can shear them for fiber to spin and knit with, then what am I waiting for!
Sonoma...I have 2, a french and a german. The french can be plucked but after reading more about it I may shear her too soon.
Well! My mother in law was recently suggesting to me that I try raising Angoras since I find sheep to be smelly and gross--and since I can't quite imagine eating animals I raise. I can't wait to see how you spin the fibers--will you post it here or on your site?
Oh, she looks cute in that sweater!
I used to have angora rabbits. I sheared all over, leaving head unsheared of course, since it is of social importance. I think you might consider to do the "armpits" and neck at least, or keep an eye at them to make sure the don't develop felt lumps. Their fur very easily felts, especially where there's folds and where the legs touches the body while moving.
I used a tiny light weight distaff (hope that's the right word for it) for spinning, but soon found that I prefer to blend the fibres with other fibres - wool - in order to make the yarn more sturdy, easier to spin and the resulting knit less delicate and fluffy.
I had Germans when they were first introduced in the states through the ARBA - also raised French angoras. I never once sheared them, prefering the fiber of a plucked rabbit greatly. That cut edge can be a problem and dramatically reduces the softness of the fiber.
Incidentally, when handled correctly the rabbits actually enjoy the plucking process...some of them would get quite silly for it!
As for spinnning - I spun 100% angora at the time, but now when I am able I use a blend because it's a lot more practical.
Angora bunnies are adorable. I'd love to raise some myself someday, since although I'm not a spinner (yet, since I have a drop spindle and I intend to master it), I do enjoy dyeing yarn and fibre, and being able to raise my own fibre would thrill me right to death!
Good post! One of my goals is to have a fibre farm with angora rabbits, cashmere goats and perhaps cotswald sheet.
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