Every so often, a visitor walks up to our English Angora bunnies, stops and says, "Wait, there's a rabbit in there?" We get it. English Angoras are so fluffy they can look more like a cloud with ears than a bunny. They're one of the 14 species at Eagle Eye Farm, and they're proof that alpacas aren't the only fiber animals around here.
What is an English Angora?
Angora rabbits are one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit, and they've been raised for their incredibly soft wool for a very long time. There are several types of Angora rabbits, and the English Angora is the smallest of the common Angora breeds. It's also the fluffiest looking, because its wool covers nearly its whole body, including its face.
That face!
What really sets English Angoras apart is their head. They have long wool on their cheeks and forehead, plus fluffy tufts on the tips of their ears. Sometimes you can barely see their eyes peeking out. It's adorable, and it's also why they need a little extra help with grooming.
Angora wool
Angora fiber is known for being super soft, light and warm. It's often blended with other fibers, like sheep's wool or alpaca, to add softness and a little halo of fuzz to yarn. A few fun facts:
- It keeps growing: Angora wool grows continuously, so it needs to be harvested regularly.
- It's harvested gently: Depending on the rabbit, wool may be clipped, combed or gently removed as it loosens.
- It's warm: Angora fiber is prized for how warm it is for how little it weighs.
All that fluff takes work
Being this fluffy isn't all glamour. English Angoras need regular grooming to keep their wool from tangling and matting. Without it, their coats can get uncomfortable fast. Keeping their wool clean, brushed and trimmed is a big part of caring for them, and it's a labor of love.
Bunny manners
Rabbits are gentle, quiet animals, and they can startle easily. If you get the chance to visit with our bunnies, here's how to make them feel safe:
- Use a calm, quiet voice: Bunnies have big ears for a reason.
- Move slowly: Sudden movements can scare them.
- Gentle hands only: No squeezing, and please don't pick them up unless a staff member says it's okay.
- Follow staff directions: Our crew knows each bunny and will help you have a great visit.
Why we love them
Our English Angoras bring a whole different kind of fluff to the farm. Kids love them, grown-ups love them, and almost everyone pulls out their phone for a photo. They're a great reminder that fiber animals come in all shapes and sizes, from tall alpacas to tiny, cloud-like bunnies.
See the fluff for yourself
Pictures don't do them justice. Come see our English Angora bunnies in person, along with more than 130 other animals. Check our website for current tours and start planning your visit. Fair warning: you might leave wanting to hug a cloud.
