Friends and Relations Rabbitry
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Feeding
Rabbits need lots of hay. Angora rabbits in particular need hay as the primary part of their diet, as high fiber content helps prevent wool block. I feed my rabbits timothy hay from our local feed store. A bit of dried pineapple or papaya should be given occasionally; these fruits contain an enzyme which helps break down ingested fur. For the balance of their regular diet, I prefer not to feed commercial rabbit pellets. Instead, I give them a mixture of two parts alfalfa pellets, two parts crimped oats, two parts whole wheat, and one part black oil sunflower seeds (for healthy fur). An adult rabbit should have about a cup of this mixture per day. I feed my rabbits half their portion in the morning and half in the evening. Rabbits have delicate digestion and should be introduced gradually to new foods. When you buy a rabbit from me, I will provide you with a supply of the grain mixture and instructions on how to make the transition to the food you choose.
It isn't just a matter of preference - angora rabbits have to be brushed weekly and sheared periodically. The recommended timing for shearing an angora rabbit is every three months, or every time the longest hairs reach 3-4 inches in length. An ungroomed angora can get wool block. It is like a cat getting a hairball, except rabbits can't cough it up. You can shear your rabbit yourself, or take it in to a pet groomer. If you live within a reasonable distance, you can bring it here. I charge $10 for the first hour, $6/hour however long it takes me after that. There is no way to make an angora look good after a haircut; it WILL be choppy. There is simply no way to give a rabbit an even cut without risking damage to its thin skin.