How to Shear an Angora (Long-Haired) Rabbit
š Summary
Angora rabbits are raised mainly for their wool, and learning to shear them correctly protects both fiber quality and the animal's health. A mature rabbit is typically sheared about four times a year, once per season, with the best grades harvested in March, June, September, and November. Shear close to the skin in a set order, back midline, sides, rump, neck, jowl, belly, legs, never a second pass over the same spot, and time the job for a breezy, clear day with warm bedding afterward.
1 Shearing Schedule and Technique
1. Shear at a sensible frequency. A long-haired rabbit is normally sheared about four times a year, roughly once per season. Work with the rabbit’s growth: top-grade fiber is usually ready around three months of age. Rabbits are very sensitive to temperature, so keep the hut warm in winter and cool in summer; shearing in March, June, September, and November generally yields at least first-grade wool.
2. Shearing method. The usual tool is scissors, and shearing takes skill, an experienced handler can finish one rabbit in about eight minutes. Follow a fixed order: start at the midline of the back, then the sides, rump, neck, jowl, belly, and legs. Once cut, sort the wool by length and sheen, keep it neat, and store it by quality.
2 Precautions
3. Keep the blades right against the skin rather than lifting the wool to cut, which risks injuring the rabbit, especially over uneven skin. Never make a second pass; even if the first cut leaves long stubble, a re-trim lowers fiber quality and harms the next harvest.
Shear on a clear, breezy day. In winter, warm and shelter the rabbit right after shearing and add dry hay to the cage to prevent colds. When clipping the belly, avoid the nipples and scrotum. For a doe about to kindle, don’t cut the chest or belly wool.
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