Must-Have Tools

• Slicker Brush: Removes loose wool and prevents mats
• Wide-Tooth Comb: Works through denser areas
• Flea Comb: Detail work around face and feet
• Blunt-Tip Scissors: Safe mat removal
• Nail Clippers: Rabbit-specific clippers
• Grooming Table: 24"x30" with non-slip surface

Harvesting Tools

• Electric Clippers: Wahl or Oster with fine blade
• OR Hand Plucking: For show-quality fiber (more time intensive)
• Storage Bags: Breathable cotton or paper bags (never plastic!)

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Blow dryer (cool setting only)
• Cornstarch (for de-tangling stubborn mats)
• Covered waste basket (for collecting wool scraps)

Weekly Grooming (Required!)

Time Required: 30-45 minutes per bunny

• Full body brushing with slicker brush
• Check for mats behind ears, under front legs, belly
• Comb through face furnishings
• Inspect feet and nails

Every 3-4 Months: Full Harvest

When wool reaches 3-4 inches (varies by breed)

• English/Satin/French Angoras: Every 90 days
• German Angoras: Every 90 days (plucking)
• Giant Angoras: Every 90-120 days (higher yield, slower grow-out)

As Needed

• Nail Trimming: Every 4-6 weeks
• Sanitary Clip: Monthly around rear/genitals
• Emergency Mat Removal: Immediately when discovered

Step 1: Preparation

• Set up grooming table with good lighting
• Have all tools within reach
• Place rabbit on non-slip surface
• Give a small treat to create positive association

Step 2: Initial Assessment

• Run hands over entire body feeling for mats
• Check problem areas: ears, armpits, belly, rear
• Note any skin issues or abnormalities

Step 3: Brushing Technique

Work in sections, always brushing WITH the grain:

1. Back: Start at shoulders, brush down toward tail
2. Sides: Brush from spine toward belly
3. Chest: Gentle strokes from neck downward
4. Legs: Top to bottom on each leg
5. Belly: Rabbit on back (or standing), gentle brushing
6. Head/Ears: Use flea comb, very gentle

Step 4: Mat Removal

If you find mats:

• Try working through with fingers first
• Apply cornstarch to slippery fibers apart
• Use wide-tooth comb to gently work from outside in
• Last resort: Carefully cut mat out with blunt scissors (avoid skin!)

Step 5: Finishing Touches

• One final pass with slicker brush
• Check nails and trim if needed
• Clean any debris from eyes/nose
• Give treat and praise!

Method 1: Clipping (Most Common)

Best for: Pet Angoras, fiber production

Pros: Fast, easy, less stressful for rabbit

Cons: Shorter fiber length, blunt ends

Clipping Process:

1. Use electric clippers with fine blade
2. Leave 1/2 - 1 inch of wool on rabbit (never shave to skin!)
3. Work in sections: back first, then sides, belly, legs
4. Be extra careful around ears, face, feet, tail
5. Save face/ear wool for last — rabbit stays calmer

Method 2: Plucking

Best for: Show Angoras, premium fiber

Pros: Longer fiber, pointed tips, stimulates regrowth

Cons: Time-intensive, requires practice, only works when wool is "ripe"

Plucking Process:

1. Wool is ready when it pulls easily without resistance
2. Grasp small sections of wool close to skin
3. Pull firmly in direction of growth
4. Work methodically section by section
5. Takes 2-3 hours per rabbit

Breed-Specific Notes

• English/Satin/Giant: Clip or pluck
• French: Typically clipped (face/ears naturally clean)
• German: Always plucked (undercoat molts naturally)

Immediate Post-Harvest

• Separate prime fiber from second cuts/belly wool
• Remove any hay, debris, or stained sections
• Store by color and quality grade

Proper Storage

• Container: Breathable cotton bags, paper bags, or cardboard boxes
• Never Plastic: Traps moisture, causes mildew
• Location: Cool, dry, dark place
• Pest Prevention: Cedar chips nearby (not touching fiber) or mothballs in sealed container
• Label: Date, rabbit name, color, weight

Fiber Quality Grades

• Prime: Clean back/side wool, 3+ inches, minimal VM (vegetable matter)
• Secondary: Shorter sections, slight VM, usable for blending
• Belly/Felting Wool: Shorter, matts easily, good for needle felting projects

What Makes Angora Special?

• Warmth: 7x warmer than sheep wool!
• Softness: Incredibly soft, minimal prickle factor
• Lightweight: Hollow fibers create insulation without bulk
• Luster: Natural sheen and halo effect

Fiber Preparation Methods

• Spinning: Angora can be spun alone or blended with wool (60/40 angora/wool is popular)
• Felting: Angora felts beautifully for hats, slippers, art
• Knitting/Crochet: Create soft garments, scarves, baby items
• Weaving: Use as weft or accent fiber

Washing Angora Fiber

1. Fill basin with hot water (140-160°F) and wool wash
2. Submerge fiber, let soak 20 minutes (don't agitate!)
3. Lift gently, squeeze out water
4. Repeat with clean hot water rinse
5. Roll in towel to remove excess moisture
6. Spread on screen or rack to air dry (can take 2-3 days)

Selling Your Fiber

Quality Angora fiber sells well!

• Raw fiber: $3-8 per ounce depending on quality/color
• Washed fiber: $6-12 per ounce
• Spun yarn: $12-25+ per ounce
• Sell at fiber festivals, Etsy, local yarn shops, or direct to spinners

• ❌ Waiting too long between grooming: Weekly minimum!
• ❌ Brushing too aggressively: Can hurt skin and break fiber
• ❌ Clipping too close: Leave at least 1/2 inch
• ❌ Ignoring problem areas: Check ears, armpits, rear every time
• ❌ Using wrong tools: Human brushes don't work on Angora wool
• ❌ Storing wet/damp fiber: Recipe for mold
• ❌ Getting discouraged: It gets easier with practice!

• 🐰 Start young: Groom kits from 8 weeks to get them used to it
• 🐰 Keep sessions positive: Treats, gentle voice, patience
• 🐰 Harvest before summer: Keeps rabbits cooler in hot months
• 🐰 Save prime fiber: Even if you don't spin now, you might later!
• 🐰 Document harvests: Track dates/weights to optimize schedule
• 🐰 Join fiber groups: Ravelry, HedgehogsAndHumbug on YouTube, local spinners guilds

Grooming questions? Stuck on a stubborn mat? Contact us anytime!

When you adopt from PuddinCups Paradise, you get lifetime grooming support. We're here to help you succeed.

Email: angoras@puddincupsparadise.com

Phone: (555) 123-4567