Questions about Angoras and Jerseys...

[MsBinky]

Sorry to bug but I have a few questions...

First of all Jerseys are part of the Angora breed right? Meaning they have the same type of wool?

Also, the angora rabbit has furry ears while the jersey has plain ears? Is this correct? I have seen many pics and some with furry ears are named angora, some are named Jersey. Is there a way to identify them properly?

Second of all... I can imagine these breeds are more prone to blocked intestines due to the fur they have and therefore require more brushing just as they are more prone to heat stroke... Is there anything else that they are more prone too? Do their eyes get irritated more often because of the fur?

Third of all... How do you manage to keep them clean? I can imagine they require a different cage system so that they do not lie in urine or feces but I also know that wire bottom cages are not good on the feet. So how do you balance it?

Thank you :rose:

 

[pamnock]

Jersey Woolies, American Fuzzy Lops, French Angoras, Giant Angoras, English Angoras and Satin Angoras (as well as the many other wooled breeds that exist)all have the recessive wool gene in common, but that's where the similarities end.

The wooled breeds different inbody type, ear carriage, wool density/texture/length,head shape, and where wool appears on the body.

The best way to compare the breeds is to study their standards. The Standard of Perfection can be purchased from the American Rabbit Breeders Association http://www.arba.net/

I'm short on time today, but will answer your questions in more depth later today if someone else doesn't step in and cover them

Pam

 

[MsBinky]

Thank you Pam. I will certainly look into purchasing it :rose:

 

[Starlight Rabbitry]

I can not speak for the Angoras but I can speak for the Jersey Woolies. I have been raising them for 12 years now. They are a low-maintainance form of an angora. They are only 3 pounds ideally so they do not need a lot of room like an angora would. I feed hay and pellets and yes, they are prone to wool block but if you keep them eating lots of hay, it isn't a problem. Their wool length is only 2-3 inches.

They get brushed once a week and they sit on wire so I don't have to worry about them sitting on their feces. Angoras and Woolies have thick fur on their feet so wire is actually fine for them and prefered.

Sharon

 

[MsBinky]

Thank you Sharon :biggrin2:I didn't realize they had enough fur on their fur to prevent sore hocks. Hihi. Thank you for the info.

 

[pamnock]

Conformation can also be a factor in sore hocks - I've seen a number of Angoras with sore hocks, despite the thick foot wool. The thick wool also can have a tendency to harbor moisture, which can occasionally lead to bacterial/fugal infections of the feet. (An occasional iodine wash can help to prevent this problem).

As Sharon had already mentioned, Woolies are the smallest wooled breed and have very easy care coats with many guard hairs. They don't have wool on the ears, nor an excessive amount of facial wool (just some side trimmings and a wool cap). They also don't have wooled feet.

The American Fuzzy Lop is also a small wooled breed. Similar to the wooly, it has a rather easy-care coat and no wool on the face, ears or feet.

The French, Satin and English Angoras are medium in size. The Satin and French are similar lacking the heavily wooled face, ears and feet of the English Angora. The English and Giant Angora have similar coats with less guard hairs than the other Angora breeds.

Pam

 

[MsBinky]

"Conformation can also be a factor in sore hocks - I've seen a number of Angoras with sore hocks, despite the thick foot wool. The thick wool also can have a tendency to harbor moisture, which can occasionally lead to bacterial/fugal infections of the feet. (An occasional iodine wash can help to prevent this problem)."

That is very good to know Pam. Thank you, I really hadn't thought of the moisture...

Would this lil guy be an english angora then?

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-pets-other-pets-for-sale-Lapin-Jersey-Lanneau-W0QQAdIdZ38475436

And before people panick, no I am not getting him so no worries. I am just trying to learn more about the breed because I've never seen one.

 

[pamnock]

Could be an English or a German Angora.

Pam

 

[MsBinky]

Cool thank you :biggrin2: