Exotic: strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual

Fiber: a slender and greatly elongated natural or synthetic filament

Farmer: a person who cultivates land or crops or raises animals or fish

When I was introduced to my first exotic fiber animal, the llama, I was quite taken by this unusual and yes, strikingly beautiful creature. Although I had seen llamas before, I never knew this exotic animal was capable of producing a beautiful fleece of long silky fiber. I came across my second adorable fiber animal, the Angora goat, when I was searching on the internet for a breed of goat that would love to eat “multiflora rose” and other nuisance plants. I instantly fell in love with this wonderful fiber critter. Without realizing what was happening, I was becoming an exotic fiber farmer; raising show quality llamas, angora goats and English angora rabbits for sale and for their fiber.

A quality fiber animal should be in good physical condition, have dense lustrous fiber, and be appropriately sized with exceptional conformation. Conformation is acceptable traits such as straight gait and a straight top line for the particular breed. The fiber should have a superior and consistent density throughout the fleece; the fiber should be free of guard hair, kemp (undesirable coarse fiber) and medulated (hollow core) fibers and should have the appropriate micron count (measurement of fiber diameter) for the age and breed of the animal. We all know there is no “perfect” fiber animal but looking for an overall balance in the animal should provide quality fiber.

☼Llama fiber is known as wool and the animal fiber is normally shorn (cut off with electric shears or scissors) once a year, with an average of 2 to 5 lbs depending on the density of fleece on the animal.

☼Angora goat fiber is known as mohair and the fiber is normally shorn off the animal twice a year for a six inch growth (March and September) producing up to 9 lbs. of fiber per shearing.

☼English Angora rabbit fiber is known as Angora fiber and the rabbit produces an average of four ounces of fiber every 3 to 4 months. The fiber is normally shorn or hand plucked off the animal. Since English Angora rabbits molt (shed fiber), hand plucking is an acceptable means of removing their fiber.

THE PASTURE & FENCING

The amount of pasture required to raise these exotic fiber animals is minimal. These statistics do not include shelter/barn areas.

Llama: It is suggested that pasture areas of 1-2 acres are sufficient for five to seven llamas. Since llamas are capable of jumping obstacles, it is recommended the fencing be at least four feet high.

Angora goat: It is suggested that 25 square feet of open pasture is available per animal. Recommended fencing from 18’ to 36’ for containment.

English angora rabbits: Can be housed in cages (18 x 18 or bigger) in a barn or outdoors with some form of protection from the elements of nature. Some individuals litter train their rabbits so they can be part of the family indoors.

THE PERSONALITIES OF THESE EXOTIC CRITTERS

The llama is a very intelligent animal capable of learning quickly. They are also a very versatile animal capable of doing such tasks as packing or pulling a cart, and they are curious and considerate enough to be a great public relations animal.

The Angora goat is more easily contained than meat or dairy goats. They don’t jump! This is a very docile and gentle breed and the fleece they produce is known as the “diamond fiber”.

The English Angora rabbit is known for its lustrous fiber but should also be praised for their friendly personality. They are willing to sit on your lap for hours at a time; their biggest demand is being groomed regularly.

Llamas: Males are capable of reaching up to 400 lbs, females usually up to 350 lbs.

Angora goats: The weight for an adult buck is typically 125-175 lbs.; while adult females are normally 80 to 100 lbs.

English Angora rabbits: The standard weight for an adult male is 7 lbs and the adult female is 5 lbs.

☼The gestation period for the llama is 350 days and they normally have a single birth; the gestation period for the Angora goat is 5 months with twins relatively common; the English Angora rabbit gives birth after 28 days and usually have a litter of 6-8.

☼The llama and English Angora rabbit are not seasonal breeders; whereas the Angora goats' breeding season is normally late summer though autumn.

☼Some fiber colors available in these particular breeds include white, cream, brown, black, and silver.

☼The life expectancy for a llama is 20-25 years; the Angora goat is 13-15 years and the English Angora rabbit is 5-6 years.

☼Do llamas spit? They normally spit at one another to settle an argument usually over food, establish pecking order, or express fear or discomfort. They do not spit at people.

☼The horns on the Angora goat serve as a cooling mechanism.

☼The Angora goat and llama only have lower teeth.

Research Materials: If you have a computer, go on-line. Many reputable breeders have developed informative websites covering different topics which will assist beginning owners and breeders. Purchase a few books on the breed you are considering. Books can be a real life-line between you and for your animal.

Organizations/Associations: Become a member of an association/organization related to the animal you are considering purchasing. You will be kept up-to-date of the latest information and events.

Go to Shows: Before purchasing livestock attend local, regional and national shows. You will be amazed at all the information that is available from other breeders and judges. Since you do not have to watch and care for animals being shown, this will allow you to spend time learning about the breed.

Attend Workshops: These functions can range from specific topics such as animal care and fiber to topics for the beginner owner and breeder. Workshops are often in an open forum with several Q & A sessions. Don’t be afraid or bashful to ask, this is how you learn.

Visit farms: This will help you not “reinvent the wheel” as to what facilities are appropriate for the livestock you are considering.

Selecting a Breeder: Pick a breeder who comes with a “support” guarantee. This is an important choice when selecting an animal. As a new owner/breeder, it is important to select a breeder who you can contact should any questions arise. Buying a nice quality animal from a reputable breeder is nice, but buying a nice quality animal from a supportive and reputable breeder is twice as sweet. (My mentor has been exceptional in providing me knowledge and support with the breed; but, in addition, she has provided me the privilege of a wonderful and precious friendship).

Animal Care: Learn what type of equipment/supplies you will need for shearing, showing and the medications necessary for maintaining a healthy, happy animal. It is wise to keep good medical and shearing records on your animals.

Diet: Check with your feed store on the availability of high quality grain (commercial or custom blended) and hay. These are important dietary components in maintaining high quality livestock.

Shelter: This can be a simple three-sided building or an elaborate structure; depending on finances, time and individual preferences. The important factor is to provide the animal a building which will keep them protected from the elements of nature; i.e., wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail, extreme low and high temperatures.

Veterinarian Care: Make sure you select a veterinarian who has experience in the fiber animal you are considering. Some veterinarians specialize with either a special breed or type of service; i.e., equine service, small animal services, large animal services.

Showing: Enter your fiber animal in a local, regional or state show. This allows the animal to be evaluated for its quality and it is a good way to work with your animals. Enter your fiber and/or finished product (i.e., hat, scarf, shawl) in a show to be judged. This is a good way to evaluate the quality of your fiber and artistry. You may come home with a ribbon or a trophy.

Fun for children: Fiber animals such as the llama, Angora goat and English Angora rabbit are excellent 4-H projects for children to participate in a county fair.

Public Relations: Fiber animals are an excellent way of providing hands-on for both the young and old to learn about these exotic critters and their fabulous traits. Almost everyone loves seeing and touching animals, especially out of the ordinary ones.

Education: Whether you are taking your llama on a hike, spinning on your wheel, or setting up an educational display at a school or local festival, it is very rewarding to educate others about your fiber animal(s). You will be amazed at how many different questions people can think of. So be prepared to answer a variety of interesting questions.

Purchase a cart or pack for your llama. Llamas are excellent in driving carts and carrying packs.

Learn to knit, crochet or weave. Learning these “talents” will allow you to complete a finished product from your own fiber.

And, of course, the best part of owning an exotic fiber animal is: