Angora rabbits are some of the most precious breeds of rabbits as they produce a material known as Angora Wool that can be used to make scarves, mittens, or any other fiber art. Angora rabbits have incredibly soft wool and, because of this, should not live outside.
There are four different types of Angora rabbits: English, French, Giant, and Satin, and all require special care and living conditions to produce their super-soft wool. From the size of their cage to grooming and even to dietary needs, Angoras are much more work to take care of than a standard bunny. However, it can be so rewarding!
This article breaks down why Angoras cannot live outside and what exactly goes into owning an Angora/making them so unique.
Five Reasons Why Angora Rabbits Cannot Live Outside
Angoras are incredibly soft bunnies and such a treat to have as pets! But it is to be warned that owning an Angora can be much more work than an ordinary bunny.
Angoras require very specific care and therefore must live inside in the most ideal conditions to produce their unique soft wool. Because of the perfect conditions needed, they cannot live outside and are best as indoor rabbits.
Daily Grooming
If you are looking to get an Angora rabbit, it’s most likely because you are interested in their wool that can be used to make a host of different items like scarves or mittens.
In order to produce the unique wool they make, which is not harmful at all to the rabbits, it is essential to groom them daily. Yes, we said daily. Their long fur requires more maintenance than the short fur of other rabbits.
It is essential to keep their wool in prime condition for shearing, and therefore grooming is necessary. If the Angora lives outside, their wool will get dirty and matted, creating an issue when shearing and making it less soft.
Overheating
Overheating can be the biggest health concern for your Angura, especially if they’re outside or in warm temperatures. They must live in ideal conditions that are temperature regulated to reduce the risk of them overheating.
Their long and special wool coat keeps them extremely warm all year round. But this can pose a risk of overheating, leading to a severe death risk for your Angora.
Angora rabbits must be kept away from the sun and never be in temperatures over 75 degrees. Ideally, they should be in climates anywhere from 50 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in cooler, shadier homes, which is why having them outside can be close to impossible.
It is important to note that the lack of grooming can also lead to overheating for your Angora rabbit. Always be sure to groom it completely almost every day to reduce any situation of overheating for your special furry little pet.
Specific Wire-Cage Housing
The luscious long wool on Angoras easily traps particles and dirt and can lead to infections or skin issues for your rabbit. Keeping them in all wire cages without wood shavings is very important, so fewer things get caught in their fur.
If your Angora lives outside, it will have no barrier for getting dirt and wood caught in its wool, therefore leaving your rabbit vulnerable to a host of issues. Wire cages are the best option to keep your Angora comfortable and healthy!
When looking for the right cage, try to get one as large as possible, given the space it will be in. You need enough room for your Angora to play and live!
Wire cages should be protected from heat, moisture, and drafts due to the heat-sensitive nature of your rabbit. Once you find a large enough cage and adequately house your Angora, you should have a happy and healthy bunny every day!
Water Bottles Over Bowls
As you can already tell, there is a specific way to own an Angora to ensure your rabbit’s health. From heat to the type of cage it’s in, Angoras require special treatment, and it doesn’t just stop there.
Angoras prefer their water from bottles rather than bowls, as it causes less moisture to go on their fur and prevents future matting. The water also stays cleaner, so it is tastier to your furry little friend.
Angoras, if left outside, will get water all over their long wool and can cause severe matting to the point of needing to be shaved if the matts do not wash out.
For this reason, keeping your Angora inside with a nice fresh water bottle is key to helping it live comfortably and producing well-maintained wool.
Sugar Sensitivity
Outside, Angora rabbits love to eat leafy greens and berries they find on the ground. This can pose a significant health risk to them as they are susceptible to sugars and excessive carbs.
Their daily food intake should consist of high-quality rabbit pellets and hay. The hay helped their wool grow longer and prevent wool block, the largest health risk to your Angora.
Due to their long wool, it can get stuck in their digestive system and create a blockage, which can cause death in the rabbit. It is important to groom them consistently and make sure to clean up all excess wool.
Feeding them specific pellets and hay can help move any wool they might have ingested through their system. Always make sure you are buying suitable hay and not overfeeding your Angora.
Can Angora Rabbits Live Outside in Winter?
Angoras can stay warm in consistently cold temperatures with their long thick wool, so long as their fur is not trimmed.
Being as heat-sensitive as they are, Angoras thrive in the winter and can be outside so long as the temperature does not drop too low.
It is recommended that they live in conditions from 50-70 degrees but can stand weather that drops to 40 degrees, although it is not recommended they be in that cold weather for too long.
Angoras can absolutely live outside in winter if they are still getting their necessary grooming, cleaning, dietary care, and are staying dry.
Angoras should live full time inside, but it doesn’t hurt to bring them out in the cold for a few hours on end to allow them more space to play and have fun! Just be sure they aren’t getting too wet and being well taken care of when brought back in.
Can Angora Rabbits Live in The Wild?
Angora rabbits were first found due to a mutation in the rabbit bloodline. This mutation created the Angora, and although it was made in nature in the wild, these breeds cannot sustain life in the wild.
Angora rabbits require much attention, grooming, and care from humans; therefore will not be able to sustain a long life in the wild. They would end up getting a wool blockage in their internal systems if left without grooming for too long.
Angoras are best kept inside a cage or an environment where it is being looked after daily and cared for.
Angoras need to be meticulously looked after so they can live a long and healthy life, and this just will not happen in nature for them.
How Much Space Do Angora Rabbits Need?
At the end of the day, Angora rabbits are still rabbits, and they love to run, jump, and play! They need enough room to exercise and move around each day, on top of their cage where they sleep.
You should try and get your Angora a big enough cage to move around and live comfortably in, but also have a nice pen or secured area where they play without the risk of getting hurt.
All rabbits need plenty of space to live their lives and be happy. The more space you can give them, the better!
With Angoras, it is essential to keep their cage as big as you can get so their buildup of wool won’t pose a health threat to them. Remember, wool blockage is the number one killer of Angoras, so keeping them in a space free from wool is vital!
Conclusion
Angora rabbits are incredibly cute and soft bunnies that, although they require a ton of attention, can be great pets to have!
It is crucial to keep them in temperature-regulated spaces and give them daily grooming attention, cleaning and brushing them as often as you can.
Angoras are best kept indoors and are not to be outside for extended periods. Make sure when you get your Angora, or if you have one, that you do a ton of research on how to best care for them and their wool so you can give them a long life!
Their wool can be used to make a ton of different fabric items, so if you’re planning on getting a rabbit just as a pet, maybe opt for a breed that is not an Angora.
Due to the amount of attention they need, Angoras are best as pets for those looking to sell their wool to craftsmen and clothing creators. If you have an Angora, just be sure to keep them dry, well maintained, and on a strict diet.