How to Shear an Angora Rabbit

Angora fur is prized for soft, fuzzy wool yarns.

Angora rabbits have been domesticated and bred for their long fur, which is periodically harvested through shearing, combing and plucking, before being washed and spun into a fuzzy, warm wool yarn dubbed "angora." Even if your purpose for owning angoras is not to collect angora fibers for yarn, it is important to shear the rabbits periodically to remove mats, tangles and "wool block," which occurs as rabbits groom themselves and develop a clot of hair that can block their digestive systems.

Things You'll Need

• Chair
• Old, clean towel
• Plastic comb
• Hairstyling shears
• Rabbit treats
• Styptic pencil
• Plastic bins for collected fur
• Bunny jacket (fleece, to keep rabbit warm after shearing)

Instructions

1. Set all supplies within arm's reach and sit on a chair.

2. Spread the old, clean towel on your lap, and set the rabbit on the towel.

3. Comb the rabbit to remove hay, food and loose hairs from the coat. Dispose of anything combed out in this pass.

4. Hold the rabbit firmly on its back and trim long hairs from the top and bottom of the feet, the thighs and the genital region, using the shears. Always angle the shears and stretch the skin as you cut to avoid hurting the rabbit. Place the fur into a bin as you clip.

5. Use the styptic pencil immediately on any accidental cuts.

6. Clip the belly fur, using your finger to locate and avoid the teats. Place the fur into a bin as you clip.

7. Clip the dewlap, or chest, fur from the chin down, really stretching the skin as you clip to avoid cutting the rabbit. Place the fur into a bin as you clip.

8. Give your rabbit a potty and treat break.

9. Hold the rabbit on your lap and clip the topside and head fur. This is usually the most plentiful. Place the fur into a bin as you clip.

10. Trim any ear fringe.

11. Place the rabbit in a bunny jacket and return it to its cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Shearing time is often a good time to also clip your rabbit's nails.

References

• Harvest Moon Angoras; Shearing Tutorial; Carrie Culliton
• International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders: Angora Shearing Demo
• International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders; The German Angora; Leslie Samson