Angora Rabbit Care Guide
Everything you need to know to keep your Angora healthy and happy
Angora rabbits require dedicated care, but the reward of their luxurious fiber and sweet personalities makes it all worthwhile. This guide covers the essentials to help you succeed.
๐ Housing Requirements
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Recommended: Indoor housing in climate-controlled environments. Angoras are sensitive to heat and humidity.
- Temperature: Keep between 50-70ยฐF (ideal: 60-65ยฐF)
- Humidity: Below 50% to prevent wool block and matting
- Ventilation: Good airflow essential for respiratory health
Cage Specifications
- English/Satin/French Angoras: 30"x36" minimum (bigger is better!)
- Giant Angoras: 36"x48" minimum โ they're big bunnies!
- Flooring: Solid floors or 1/2"x1" wire with resting boards. NO large wire gaps that trap wool.
- Height: At least 18" to allow for natural hopping
Bedding & Accessories
- Bedding: Kiln-dried pine shavings, aspen, or paper-based bedding. Avoid cedar.
- Hay Feeder: Prevents hay from mixing with wool
- Water: Heavy ceramic bowls or bottles (bowls preferred for hydration)
- Litter Box: Yes, Angoras can be litter trained!
๐ฅฌ Nutrition & Diet
The Angora Diet Formula
Angoras need higher protein (16-18%) than standard rabbits due to fiber production.
Daily Diet Breakdown
- Pellets: 1/4 - 1/2 cup high-quality pellets (16-18% protein) per 5 lbs body weight
- Hay: Unlimited timothy, orchard grass, or oat hay (critical for digestion!)
- Fresh Greens: 1-2 cups daily โ romaine, cilantro, parsley, dandelion greens
- Treats: Small amounts of carrots, apple (no seeds), berries
What NOT to Feed
- โ Iceberg lettuce (no nutrition)
- โ Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower in large amounts (gas)
- โ Chocolate, avocado, onions, potato (toxic!)
- โ Sugary treats, bread, crackers
Papaya Enzyme Supplements
Highly Recommended: Give papaya enzyme tablets 2-3x per week to help prevent wool block. Fresh pineapple also works!
๐ง Hydration
Water is critical! Angoras must have constant access to fresh, clean water.
- Check water daily โ twice in hot weather
- Clean bowls/bottles every 2-3 days
- Watch for decreased water consumption (sign of illness)
๐งน Daily Care Routine
Morning Routine
- โ Check water and refill if needed
- โ Feed pellets and fresh greens
- โ Quick health check (eyes, nose, behavior)
- โ Refill hay feeder
Evening Routine
- โ Remove uneaten greens
- โ Spot-clean litter/bedding
- โ Quick wool check (look for mats)
- โ Social interaction/play time
Weekly Tasks
- โ Full cage cleaning
- โ Grooming session (see Grooming Guide)
- โ Nail trim check
- โ Weight check
โ๏ธ Health & Wellness
Common Angora Health Issues
1. Wool Block (GI Stasis)
Most serious Angora-specific concern. Occurs when wool accumulates in the stomach.
Prevention:
- Regular grooming to minimize ingested wool
- Unlimited hay for gut motility
- Papaya enzyme supplements
- Fresh water always available
Warning Signs: Reduced appetite, small/no poops, lethargy, hunched posture
Action: Contact vet immediately if suspected!
2. Heat Stress
Angoras overheat easily due to heavy coats.
Prevention:
- Keep in cool environment (below 75ยฐF)
- Provide frozen water bottles in summer
- Ensure good ventilation
- Harvest wool before hot months
3. Matted Fur
Can lead to skin problems and discomfort.
Prevention: Weekly grooming sessions (see Grooming Guide)
4. Dental Issues (Malocclusion)
Rabbit teeth grow continuously.
Prevention: Unlimited hay, wooden chew toys
Warning Signs: Drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss
Signs of a Healthy Angora
- โ Bright, clear eyes
- โ Clean nose (no discharge)
- โ Good appetite and regular poops
- โ Active and alert behavior
- โ Smooth, fluffy (not matted) coat
- โ Steady weight
When to Call the Vet
- ๐จ No poops for 12+ hours
- ๐จ Not eating for 12+ hours
- ๐จ Labored breathing
- ๐จ Discharge from eyes/nose
- ๐จ Diarrhea lasting more than a day
- ๐จ Head tilt, loss of balance
๐ฐ Socialization & Handling
Angoras are generally gentle and social, but each has their own personality!
Building Trust
- Spend time near their cage talking softly
- Offer treats from your hand
- Move slowly and calmly around them
- Let them come to you on their terms
Proper Handling
- Support: Always support hindquarters and chest
- Never: Pick up by ears or scruff
- Close to Body: Hold against your chest to prevent kicking
- Grooming Table: Use for grooming sessions to protect their back
Exercise & Enrichment
- Daily exercise time outside cage (supervised!)
- Cardboard boxes, tunnels, chew toys
- Willow balls, apple wood sticks
- Companionship (Angoras can bond with other rabbits if introduced properly)
๐ Ongoing Support
You're not alone! When you adopt from PuddinCups Paradise, you get lifetime support.
- Email or call anytime with questions
- We're here for grooming advice, health concerns, or just to chat about your bunny!
- Check our Grooming Guide for detailed fiber care instructions