Raising Angora Goats: Mohair Fiber for the Homestead
A guide to Angora goats - gentle mohair fiber animals whose lustrous curly fleece is sheared twice a year, ideal for the fiber-focused homestead that wants a luxury natural fiber.
Angora goats are kept for one thing above all: mohair, the lustrous, curly fleece that is among the finest natural fibers in the world. Gentle and manageable, these fiber goats are sheared twice a year for a valuable crop that spinners and fiber artists prize. For a homestead built around fiber, they are a beautiful and productive choice.
At a glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Turkey |
| Use | Mohair, meat |
| Weight | Bucks 45 kg (99 lb), does 35 kg (77 lb) |
| Height | Bucks 66 cm (26 in), does 51 cm (20 in) |
| Fleece colour | Usually white; also black, brown or grey |
Figures from Wikipedia.
Is it right for you?
Angoras suit a fiber-focused homesteader who wants a luxury natural fiber and does not mind twice-yearly shearing. They are gentle but a bit more delicate than meat goats.
Space & Housing
A paddock with browse, strong fencing and, importantly, good shelter suits them; freshly shorn goats need protection from cold and wet.
Feeding & Daily Care
Feed hay, browse, minerals and some grain to support fiber growth, with constant water. Care includes hoof trimming, parasite checks and planning the shearing schedule.
Getting Started
Start with healthy stock and at least two goats, arrange shearing (or learn it), and set up shelter to protect newly shorn animals.
Health & Common Problems
Parasites and cold-sensitivity after shearing are the main concerns, along with the usual goat hoof and mineral issues; timing shearing and providing shelter are key.
What You Get
Two harvests a year of lustrous mohair fleece, a valuable fiber for spinning and craft, from a gentle, manageable animal.
Costs & Effort
Moderate, with the added task of twice-yearly shearing and careful timing to protect shorn goats. Fiber is the payoff.
What Trips Up New Owners
Not sheltering freshly shorn goats (they chill easily), neglecting parasites, and skipping the shearing schedule are the main mistakes.
FAQ
What is mohair? The lustrous fiber from Angora goats, sheared twice a year.
Angora goat or rabbit? Goats give mohair; Angora rabbits give angora wool - different animals.
Kit for small livestock
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