How to Take Care of an English Angora Bunny

People choose to keep an English angora rabbit either to show or for the wool. You should be prepared for the work and commitment involved in looking after an angora. They are not particularly high-maintenance, but they can develop health problems that can lead to suffering, even death, so the owner does need to be vigilant. Most would consider the angora a beautiful animal that can even be mistaken, at times, for a lap dog. These rabbits have long, silky, fine fur that grows to cover the face and ears. They need appropriate housing, feeding, exercise and grooming.

Instructions

    • 1

      House the angoras separately in cages 30 inches by 36 inches by 18 inches. The cages should have a wire bottom, with a plastic tray, so you can see the droppings. Hang a water bottle inside the cage. Protect the rabbits from extremes of heat and cold. Either make a garden enclosure or buy an exercise pen to enable the rabbits to roam and nibble on the grass. However, do not allow them to eat grass that has been fertilized.

    • 2

      Feed the rabbits daily with pellets containing 18 percent protein. Cut back the pellets, to one-half to three-quarters of a cup a day, when the rabbits are 2 years old. Give the rabbits a handful of hay, twice a day. Timothy hay is suitable. Ensure they always have plenty of water. Give the rabbits a treat once a week of banana, papaya, pineapple or broccoli, for example. Pineapple and papaya contain enzymes that help the rabbits' digestion.

    • 3

      Groom the rabbits regularly, brushing the fur gently, and teasing out any tangled areas. You will recognize when the fur is ready to harvest by the clumps of fur you find. This happens about every 90 days. You should be able to gently pull the fur away with your fingers. Lay this between layers of tissue paper.

    • 4

      Observe your angoras carefully. They are prone to wool block. Unlike cats, rabbits cannot cough up any fur they swallow. This can make them feel full and unable to eat, or even drink. This also can make the rabbits very ill, and even kill them. Be vigilant. One of the first signs may be fewer marblelike droppings. Treat the rabbit with papaya tablets and, if necessary, feed the rabbit water from a syringe until it begins to get better.