Angora Blowing Question

[SilverBirchRabbitry]

Alright well this Thursday we are getting a blower. I have done all my angora grooming the old fashioned way. Brush & comb. Anyways if I use my blower on my bunnies everyday, will it make their coats longer & denser? Or will it make them lose density? I want my rabbits coats looking their best for showing in September



I'm determined to get 2 of my French Angoras granded :nasty:

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Brushing can take the wool out, while blowing takes out the webbing fur and blows out loose fur and debris (like hay). It keeps the majority of the wool intact. I am not sure if it will make the coat denser, but it will keep it in a better condition.
You may not need to blow everyday, but at least 2-3 times a week will be enough. If the coat is longer, you may need to do it more.

Some more angora people will probably be able to answer your question better.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Blowing is much preferred over brushing for wool breeds. I'm not sure that it improves the wool, but it certainly keeps it nicer. Whereas, brushing can totally ruin the density.

The Angora breeder I know personally blows her rabbits out daily. This makes it easy for her because by doing it daily, she only has to do a few minutes of each. Less time spent grooming!

 

[SilverBirchRabbitry]

Alright well I intend to blow my show bunnies everyday. I heard that is takes out all the dust, dandruff & dirt & that it unplugs the hair follicles causing the hair to grow longer & denser lol

 

[pamnock]

They'll lose major density through brushing - so don't you dare use a brush on those rabbits any more.

The individual coats will dictate how often blowing is needed. Whether or not they are beginning to molt is also a factor.

If you're allergic to rabbit dander - you'll know when you blow!

Pam

 

[Bunnymom,K]

Using a blower 'fluffs' the wool as well as removes any debris, it also helps to loosen any mats or tangles so that you can comb them out without losing precious wool.

For grooming my angoras I use a blower, comb and a plastic tipped pin brush (for humans). A pin brush is very gentle.

 

[SilverBirchRabbitry]

But what I mean is, does it "improve" their coats? Like if I blow for once a day for 6 weeks, will it make a difference by the time showing comes around?

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

I would avoid blowing too often. It can make the rabbit fuss over their coat too much with can lead to them ingesting the wool and damaging it by over grooming. Twice a week should be enough. You can do it every other day right before a show. I was talking with a Giant angora breeder who said this. She doesn't show too often, but does get best and reserve of show when she does.
Blowing gets rid of the dirt, dust, loose fur and dander. It also breaks up the fur so mats can't form. It will keep the coat in better condition and doesn't damage the coat like brushing does.

 

[SilverBirchRabbitry]

As soon as I'm done blowingmy rabbits always get a handful of hay, because of the loose wool. So I don't think it will hard them, but I emailed Betty Chu, she messaged me back and said she does certain rabbits a couple weeks before shows every day. So I think Im going to keep up blowing everyday ;D

 

[massie777]

what brand of blower did you buy and can you use those on just regular rabbit fur when they are molting?

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

A professional blower is very expensive, they can run $200 and up. The breeder I have talked to (and am getting a rabbit from) uses a hand vacuum with a hose attached to the vent area. It cost her about $25-30 and works very well. A small shop vac or automatic air pump (for inflating things like mattresses) can work too.

I am not sure how effective a blower would be for a regular rabbit, but you could try it. It would probably get some of the dander and shedding fur out.