We are a "CLOSED" FARM."
WE DO NOT HAVE A STOREFRONT
We are an ONLINE Shop only.
We truly appreciate your interest in
our offerings, however, we respectfully request
that you please do not come to southern Vermont
and try to find our farm.
WE OPERATE UNDER A STRICT 'NO VISITORS' POLICY.
WHY? This is our family home, not a pet store or petting zoo.
It is much healthier for our livestock to
avoid the cross contamination that visitors can bring with them.
(Keyword search “biosecurity”)
Besides that we do not have the facilities,
staff, proper layout, terrain, or commercial insurance
needed to realistically accommodate visitors.
If you wish to find a petting zoo to visit on your trip to Vermont,
we highly recommend Adams Farm in Wilmington.
(Find them thru http://www.visitvermont.com/)
Are you looking to buy something from us? Great!
Please email us with the item name and description
(cut/paste of the web description, jpg or url will help too).
If you don’t see what you want on our site,
then please email and inquire if we have it, can get it,
or see if we can make it for you-
Unfortunately, we can’t list most of our yarn,
woven or knit items since they are all small batches,
and all of our Gemstone Jewelry designs are one of a kind-
all are made completely by hand.
So posting them here would require so much time
and work to photograph and post such ltd. Editions
it just isn’t practical for us to do.
SO HOW DO YOU PURCHASE FROM US?
Whatever we sell so long as it isn’t breathing,
we ship it to you.
If it is breathing –
Then we will make an appointment to meet you
in a well lit public place where you
can purchase the animal from us.
Anyone interested in visiting our booth at one of the festivals we participate in?
Great! Please write us to verify our participation and get our booth number.
We thank you for doing business with us since 1978.
Our Angora Rabbits, Angora history, health Tips, prevent wool block!
Mountainspun Farm has been raising Hares since the 1970's.
Of all the varieties of ARBA Rabbits we have shown and raised
Our favorite is the French, German, and Giant angora.
As an animal lover and a fiber artist
These angoras are a dream come true.
Did you know that Angora wool is 10 x's warmer than wool,
And softer than cashmere.
If you are seeking a companion fiber animal
Please contact us for purchase information.
Don't forget to order your cage via email prior to purchase of bunny
Since we don’t store cages here (keeps cost down)
Cages are shipped UPS direct from our warehouse to your door.
Include your city state and zip so we can quote you shipping.
BTW, if you are seeking to buy angora wool or handspun yarn,
Note that the angora harvested by us
is not cut at 1/2 to 1" lengths like the
Commercially harvested angora
you get in a store bought sweater.
You know the ones that SHED all over you!
Our Angora is harvested at 3-6” length and because of this,
It will not shed or unravel like commercial fibers.
Since we sell only purebred German, Giant and French and By shearing our rabbits at 8-12 weeks, The fibers are several inches long and will not shed when handspun! So order some of our handspun angora or loose fiber to spin yourself, it will stay in your garments, not all over your car seat like the Chinese produced sweater yarns do! Apples to oranges. There is no angora like our angora!
Enjoy our site, email us your purchase order, we will email you
back an e-invoice and payment instructions. Thanks
Of all the varieties of ARBA Rabbits we have shown and raised
Our favorite is the French, German, and Giant angora.
As an animal lover and a fiber artist
These angoras are a dream come true.
Did you know that Angora wool is 10 x's warmer than wool,
And softer than cashmere.
If you are seeking a companion fiber animal
Please contact us for purchase information.
Don't forget to order your cage via email prior to purchase of bunny
Since we don’t store cages here (keeps cost down)
Cages are shipped UPS direct from our warehouse to your door.
Include your city state and zip so we can quote you shipping.
BTW, if you are seeking to buy angora wool or handspun yarn,
Note that the angora harvested by us
is not cut at 1/2 to 1" lengths like the
Commercially harvested angora
you get in a store bought sweater.
You know the ones that SHED all over you!
Our Angora is harvested at 3-6” length and because of this,
It will not shed or unravel like commercial fibers.
Since we sell only purebred German, Giant and French and By shearing our rabbits at 8-12 weeks, The fibers are several inches long and will not shed when handspun! So order some of our handspun angora or loose fiber to spin yourself, it will stay in your garments, not all over your car seat like the Chinese produced sweater yarns do! Apples to oranges. There is no angora like our angora!
Enjoy our site, email us your purchase order, we will email you
back an e-invoice and payment instructions. Thanks
Shetland Sheep for sale in southern vermont (not shipped)
Here at Mountainspun Farm
we have enjoyed being owned by a wonderful flock of Shetland Sheep for about a decade now. These sheep is amazing! They are like little people in sheep suits! They are friendly,to the point of annoying sometimes! I go out to the pasture or barn where they are and I get pawed by so many who are struggling in the crowd around me to get petted. Much the way a dog will paw you for attention. They are all aware of their names and come when i call them. I have spoken to those with other breeds ( even some with same kind) and they speak of needing to halter train...not ours, I just call come follow me all over ! What a wonderfully self sufficient breed too, the mothers are do- it- them-selfers!
we have enjoyed being owned by a wonderful flock of Shetland Sheep for about a decade now. These sheep is amazing! They are like little people in sheep suits! They are friendly,to the point of annoying sometimes! I go out to the pasture or barn where they are and I get pawed by so many who are struggling in the crowd around me to get petted. Much the way a dog will paw you for attention. They are all aware of their names and come when i call them. I have spoken to those with other breeds ( even some with same kind) and they speak of needing to halter train...not ours, I just call come follow me all over ! What a wonderfully self sufficient breed too, the mothers are do- it- them-selfers!
No assistance needing in lambing.
They are hearty too,
stay healthy and happy in the temps of VT winters.
My Rams are my babies too...
-Very sweet -
You know how folks
say never turn your back on a ram?
In over a decade, we have not had a shetland ram "ram" us.
My ewes and rams come running to me in the pasture -
they want me to get down low
and hug and pet them.
They love it! So do I!
click on the vt plate to email us,
be sure to incl. your full name,
location, and contact info.
thanks!
We have Shetland Sheep
and
Lambs for sale
To approved homes.
All sheep are in person purchase only.
we never ship animals.
Make sure you include your name,
location and your sheep
background information.
We welcome first time shephards!
Starter flocks, ewes and rams available.
WE gladly mentor begining shephards who buy from us.
we guarentee our sheep are the friendliest sheep
you have ever met!!!
Please note
---------
We operate as a
'CLOSED FARM'.
Absolutely
Absolutely
NO VISITORS.
This is our family home,
This is our family home,
not a pet store OR petting zoo.
Some of the many reasons
Some of the many reasons
for operating like this are:
(1). Disease Control
(2). Disturbance Factor
(3). Time Constraints
(4). Privacy
(5). Security (theft prevention).
(6) High cost of insurance coverage
the list could go on and on...
All animals are sold by appointment only.
contact us fmi. thanks .
(1). Disease Control
(2). Disturbance Factor
(3). Time Constraints
(4). Privacy
(5). Security (theft prevention).
(6) High cost of insurance coverage
the list could go on and on...
All animals are sold by appointment only.
contact us fmi. thanks .
Organic Exotic Fibersfrom
spoiled rotten lovable critters
prime angora fiber for handspinners
8 oz mail order minimum
$9. per oz for white prime.
email to place order
include your name, address, zip and quantity
also state what you are ordering.
organic raised, dyed and
processed shetland roving
we have gray , white (unbleached),
black and other natural colors
email for availability
click here to see our fiberarts books, knitting books, electric drum carders, yarn swifts
Shipping Handling
and Insurance is additional
on all orders
be sure you include
your full name,
mailing address and zip code
we need that to calculate your invoice.
thanks!
Do you sell German Giants? (article explains they are no german giants, it is either or)
 THE GERMAN AND THE GIANT
BY LESLIE SAMSON (author of completley angora)
 This last August at Fiberfest,
a woman ran up to me
to tell me her exciting news.
She had just purchased a purebred
black German angora bunny.
She was so happy!
I was not.
“What exactly do you mean -
a purebred Black German?”
I asked. Her smile started to fade a bit.
I inquired further and we came to the conclusion that she had indeed made an excellent purchase for her purposes but that she misunderstood what the breeder had told her.
The reputable breeder had made it clear during the purchase that the bunny was a German cross or German hybrid. The animal, by the way, was lovely with deep jet color and promising density. I believe that it was a good choice for a wooler.
If it was simply a wooler, who cares if it is called a black German or a German hybrid?
I care for a number of reasons.
First of all, the term was inaccurate. Secondly, the buyer skipped over the mistake and believed that she had it right. She announced the breeding as she understood it. The mistake was solidifying into fact. Lastly the entire issue of “breeds” of angora presents an annoying conundrum.
Are English, French, and German separate and distinct breeds? Or are they varieties of the breed angora? And what of the Giant and the Satin?
Since none of these types of angoras fell from the heavens to North America separate and distinct, let’s take a look at the source.
All domestic rabbit foundational stock originated in Europe.
Our domestic rabbits are mutations of the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus.
How are angoras regarded in Europe? In Europe the only recognized wool producing rabbit is the breed angora.
Variations are referred to by country or club such as “Angoras from Denmark” or “Angoras from the population in France”.
An Angora rabbit may have originated in Germany and have been bred according to the standard recognized in Germany, but the “German Angora” is not a separate breed from other European angoras.
In Great Britain, imported angoras are commonly referred to as “Continental angoras” in order to distinguish them from the local population.
It is interesting to compare the tyle of the angora rabbits kept in England against the North American English angoras.
The British born rabbit is longer in the body, not usually as heavily furnished and is allowed a higher percentage of guard hair than its North American cousin. The richness of wool color and the excellent texture of the British angora wool is similar to what, in North America, is associated with French angora wool.
Likewise the North American French angora bears limited resemblance to the angora commonly raised in France. The angora of France, being part of the Continental European population, looks more like the rabbit known in North America as the German angora.
European rabbit breeding associations take a different approach to classifying rabbits than what is practiced in North America. Rather than evaluating rabbit against rabbit, they set forth a standard against which each animal is judged.
It is the French standard or the German standard or the Danish standard, etc. which influences the regional selection of individuals within the breed angora.
During judging, each angora is compared to the standard and awarded points according to its merit in meeting that standard. At the conclusion of judging, the points are added and the rabbits with the highest points are considered to be most like the ideal rabbit described in the standard. If none of the rabbits earn a minimum number of points, then there are no winners.
COMPARATIVE HISTORY Nearly sixty years ago, angora breeders on the Zentralverband Deutches Kanichenzuchters (Z.D.K.), in partnership with the Federal Agriculture Research Center, embarked on a program to improved the wool production of their angoras. The philosophy was straightforward. Goals for wool production and body type were set. As the goals were achieved, more demanding goals were set.
They started with foundation stock similar to what we know as English angoras. Wool production increased steadily from a starting point of 240 grams (half pound) to a world record set in 1990 of 2,232 grams (over five pounds). Tracking the progress of the program required the elimination of as many management variables as possible. The first testing stations were established in 1934 to provide controlled conditions for the evaluation of the angora breeding stock, data collection and research to improve husbandry techniques. In plotting their strategy for the improvement of the angora, breeders in Germany needed to
The standard for the angora in Germany is specific.
The ideal body is described as being as wide at the shoulders as it is deep. The length of the body should equal three times the width. The shape of the body is tubular, resembling a loaf of bread. This body type is preferred for rapid shearing of first grade wool. Body weights run from seven to eleven and a half pounds (2.5 to 5 kilos) with an average of nine to ten pounds of very solid dual purpose rabbit. The wool must densely cover the entire rabbit and be silky, not cottony. German wool is heavily crimped. The ideal texture and length of the wool should be as even as possible over the entire body of the rabbit.
Development of the angora in Germany was started sixty years ago. It remains an intensive and deliberate program based on objective data and the challenge to surpass current achievements. One would expect that angora produced out of the German system and bred according to the German standard would satisfy predictable expectations for wool productions and body type.
What could one expect from a Giant angora?
Let’s look at the developmental history. At the 1985 American Rabbit Breeders Association’s National Convention, Louise Walsh presented her Angora rabbits as “Commercial” angora, (German Type) with a corresponding standard for acceptance. The rabbits failed to be accepted for a second showing in 1986. When the rabbits were presented again in 1987, the Standards Committee insisted on the name “Giant Angora”. In 1988 the Giant Angora Breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
In an article titled “Giant Angora - Not German Angora” published in the National Angora Rabbit Club Newsletter in 1991, Louise Walsh offered a succinct clarification: “...The Giant angora is a larger rabbit than the German Angora. During the developing years of the Giant Angora I mixed in colored short hair commercial bodied rabbits, French Lop and Flemish Giant.” By verifying original importation documents and checking background pedigrees to determine the origins of the German bloodlines Louise Walsh included in her design of the Giant angora, I estimate that a maximum of three years were involved in the development prior to the initial 1985 presentation. Allowing for improvements before acceptance, the total span of time could not have exceeded six years.
Is a German angora the same as a Giant angora? I agree heartily with Louise. They are not. Considering the histories and the genetic backgrounds, I am comfortable with the statement that they are separate breeds.
I.A.G.A.R.B.
While the Giant angora was being submitted for acceptance with the A.R.B.A., other breeders were committed to the preservation of the high production angora as it was developed in Germany. They felt that wool yields could best be improved by breeding to stock of similar origin and by following a proven system. Founded in 1987, the International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders accepted the Angora Standard of Z.D.K. At the 1990 I.A.G.A.R.B. Convention, members unanimously agreed that a German angora was descended exclusively from mported angora breeding stock. The genetic inclusion by any foreign breeds, no matter how distant, would always be considered a dilution. Crosses with North American English or French angoras, while they are related varieties, are also considered a dilution. A fourth generation German cross, regardless of color, may be registered as “German-Hybrid”. I.A.G.A.R.B. recognized German Hybrids, white and colored, for show and invites them to compete with albino German angoras.
YOUR CHOICE Make an informed decision when faced with the choice between the German angora variety or the breed Giant angora. The integrity of the breeder is the first consideration. What is the genetic history and foundation of the stock in question? What level of wool production can you expect from them in exchange for your initial and daily investments? Can you expect them to breed true? How do the prices and values compare between Germans, German-Hybrids and Giants?
These questions can be answered favorably by both German and Giant angora breeders provided full disclosure is made and the rabbits are suitable for your intended purpose. As with any breed, a rabbit intended for show must fit the standard. When Germans fit the Giant standard, they are often shown as Giants. German angoras usually fare well in competition against true Giant Angoras. A Giant, qualifying as a German-Hybrid, is welcomed to compete against the German standard.
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About those Bunnies! Care guide & more.
Moma & kits
Completley Angora & other fine animal care Books
BOOK-COMPLETELY ANGORA
THE 2ND EDITION, PRINTED IN CANADA:
Out of Print-no longer available in stores, we have a limited number
of New never opened mint copies for sale.
This is the "bible" on Angora Rabbit
Keeping. Topics include: rabbit selection, housing, health,
disease prevention and cure, feed, breeding, care of young,
harvesting wool, much much more.this is an unread-new copy..$165. s/h/i addl.
We purchased a few when a shop went out of buisness. these are not available anywhere 'new' that we know of. OOP for about a decade now, material very much for todays rabbit care. (Ive seen many (used copies) sold on ebay for over $ 200
Rabbit Cages, Rabbitry Supplies, Angora Books et
Mountainspun Farm's Love Your Bun's Rabbitry Supply
Rabbit cages, books, and supplies
Our cages are Made here in the USA
their design and quality is unsurpassed
we have developed these cage models
for the health and well being of Large Angora Rabbits
Please note: All Prices subject to change without notice.
When inquiring to purchase please ask for current pricing and be sure you include your UPS address with zip code so we can quote s/h/i price for your order. Superior quality & made in USA.
This cage is called: FAVORITE RABBIT CAGE made in USA
This Cage can be used as a single, set on floor
or purchase 3 of them to use stacked as shown.
Cage dimensions 30 x 36 x 18", Constructed using 14 Gauge Wire
Each Cage Comes Complete With: Urine Guards,
Deep 2 1/2" Galvanized Metal Refuse Tray, Inter-locking Legs,
Bottom Support & Tray Slides. All doors are heavily reinforced & swing out for safety. The Feature I love about these cages is the door opening is floor level; Meaning no curb to catch & hurt bunnies feet or legs when lifting bunny in & out of cages. "My Favorite Rabbit Cage "
Cages not available for in person pickup,
They must be ordered thru email/mail.
Cages are sent to direct to your door from our warehouse,
Thus no showroom /storage overhead keeping costs low
.When ordering -include delivery address with zip code.
A beautiful alternative to a wire cage is our Rabbit Ranch.
A combination barn and cage makes a perfect home for rabbits. Barn roof opens for second access door and feed storage. Barn is constructed of red and white metal and includes a sliding front door. Cage is made of extra durable double dipped galvanized wire mesh with 1" spacing (cage floor spacing is 1/2" x 1").
I hope anyone needing an outside cage will chose this one over the traditional wood frame cage. the wood framed cages are a peatry dish of bacteria and disease, they soak up urine and fester with things to cause illness and death to rabbit over time.
there is no way to sanitize wood cages. This Rabbit Ranch is easily cleaned and non pourus therefore can not retain bacteria like wood can.
Rabbit Ranch has 1/2 x 1" bunny safe floor and
Provided rigid leg kit raises unit 23" off ground.
Overall measures 48" X 24" X 39" high. Cage area is 33" X 24" X 14" high.
Please include full UPS delivery address with zip code when ordering.
Solid Steel Nest Boxes:
Easy to clean,Lightweight, Sturdy.
Large 11" x 17" x 8"
Large 11" x 17" x 8"
regular 8" x 12" x 8"
contact us for current cage pricing-
All prices subject to change without notice
This cage is Called the Economy Cage
Our Economy cage has a swing in door
(imho-tricky to not hurt bunny or self w/that kind of door),
-NO Urine Guards or Leg kit for stacking included
(but available separately).
Cages Made with 16 Gauge Wire.
Refuse tray is not as deep or sturdy as the other model (this one is plastic)
Cage measures 36w x 24d x 14h"
contact us for current pricing
This is a good cage if used for smaller rabbits (ie: dwarfts et)
All prices subject to change without notice
Bunny Floor Inserts
This Is Exactly what your Bunny Has been asking you for!
These Wonderful insertssnap into existing wire cage floors
& provide rest & healing to tired sore hocks.
You will want at least one of these in each cage!
These Will give Exceptional Results for healing red raw feet & hocks.
Easily removable & clean up in soapy bleach water.
Size 10x15" (Imported from Spain) contact us for pricing
s/h/i additional on all items, please include address for quote.
Be sure to include your full UPS address , we need this to get your shipping amt for your e- invoice. thanks.
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