From a survey of English Angora breeders conducted in 2006, the most feed 2/3 cup of pellet feed per day for senior (over 6 months) rabbits. In addition rabbits are most often either given free feed hay or a handful of hay per day. Some breeders don't feed any hay, but most do feed hay to add fiber to the diet and to help prevent wool block. Junior rabbits are most often free-fed both pellets and hay.

A significant difference between feeding angoras and feeding other breeds is the importance of fiber in the diet. Because rabbits can cough up fur balls the way cats can the fiber they ingest must be passed through their digestive tracks. If they ingest more than they can pass through their systems, they may become blocked (wool block). Early symptoms are fecal pellets that are strung together with wool. Later symptoms are a mass of wool that can be palpated in the rabbit's belly, weight loss and loss of appetite. Wool block is a serious issue for angoras since can be fatal.

Prevention of wool block is, of course, the best treatment. Adequate fiber in the rabbit's diet and diligently grooming out loose fiber, especially when the rabbit is molting are probably the most common ways to prevent the condition; however, bird seed, papaya, and other fruits with enzymes that help break down the fiber are also fed to angoras to keep their digestive tracks in good health.

Most angora breeders also feed their rabbits treats. Treats should be fed sparingly. Most agree that two tablespoons or less per day is appropriate. Rabbits do enjoy carrots, but also love apples, leaf lettuce in very small quantities, and many other fruits and veggies. They also love to nibble on twigs, such as willow branches.

Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies is a great source for general information on feeding rabbits. It can be purchased through ARBA: http://www.arba.net/pubs.htm.

-Kyle

Aundi's Angoras - www.aundisangoras.com