Baby Bunny Explosion, Outcrossing, and the Road to More Colored Giant Angoras
- Tammy Vaughn
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
A look at our growing litters, Chocolate Agouti goals, and why thoughtful crossbreeding can matter in rare breeds
Aren’t these sheep ears the cutest? I wore them in this week’s live video and had to give credit to the maker — The Recycled Ram on Instagram: @therecycledram
The baby bunny explosion has officially arrived here at Fuzzy Vaughn Farm.
We have little ones growing, nest boxes being checked, and several beautiful babies starting to show the promise of what is possible when years of planning, learning, and careful breeding begin to come together.
In this week’s video, I shared updates from the barn and talked about a topic that is very close to my heart: crossbreeding and outcrossing to help move rare colors forward in Giant Angoras.
When you are working with a rare breed, and especially when you are working toward specific color goals, the path is not always simple. Sometimes the perfect rabbit is not waiting for you. Sometimes you have to build toward the traits you need.
For me, that has meant learning how to use outcrosses thoughtfully. I have worked to bring in better color, stronger body type, wool density, and the traits that help a rabbit move closer to the Giant Angora standard. My focus right now is especially on Chocolate Agouti Giant Angoras, and I am excited about the direction this project is going.
These babies are part of that story. As they grow, I am watching for wooly front feet, ear furnishings, body type, density, color, rufus, ring definition, and all those little signs that tell me whether a breeding is moving in the right direction.
Outcrossing is not something to take lightly. It takes planning, patience, honesty, and a willingness to make hard decisions. But when the goals are big and the gene pool is small, it can be an important tool for moving forward.
This week’s video is part baby bunny joy, part breeding discussion, and part real-life look at what it takes to work toward more colored Giant Angoras.
Lead-Up Challenge
I also want to invite everyone to join us in the NARBC Mentoring Facebook Group for the Road to WSG Lead-Up Challenge.
This challenge is a wonderful way to learn more about the WSG Contest coming up in October. You do not need to be present to win, but you do need to be a member of NARBC to participate in the mentoring Facebook group.
Our first drawings will be held Monday, July 6. We will have 4 lucky winners, and each winner will receive stickers!
Whether you are brand new to WSG or already planning your project, this is a great time to jump in. Ask questions, share your progress, encourage others, and start building confidence one step at a time.
Between baby bunnies, Chocolate Agouti dreams, and the Road to WSG, there is a lot happening here at Fuzzy Vaughn Farm — and I am so glad you are following along.
How to Join NARBC and Jump into the Fun
If you are not already a member of NARBC, now is a great time to join so you do not miss any of the fun with the Road to WSG Lead-Up Challenge.
The NARBC Mentoring Facebook Group is open to NARBC members, and that is where we will be sharing reminders, encouragement, project ideas, questions, progress photos, and all the fun leading up to the WSG Contest in October.
To join NARBC, visit the official NARBC membership page:
From there, you can choose the membership option that fits you best and join through the online membership shopping cart. If you prefer to mail your membership, you can also print the membership form and send it in with payment.
Once you are a member, come join us in the NARBC Mentoring Facebook Group and follow along with the Road to WSG Lead-Up Challenge.
You can also view more information about the Lead-Up Challenge. This PDF explains it all!
You do not need to be present at Convention to win the Lead-Up Challenge drawings, but you do need to be a member of NARBC to participate in the mentoring Facebook group.
Our first drawings will be held Monday, July 6, for 4 lucky winners. Each winner will receive stickers!
Come join the fun, ask questions, share your progress, cheer others on, and start moving toward WSG one step at a time.
BTW, if you want to join our Colored Giant Village on Discord, Here's more information;
We’re creating more reasons for people to stay engaged, to show up at shows, and to fall in love with Angoras all over again. And that right there… is what this is all about.
Stay Fluffy My Friends,
Tammy,
Life’s just better with a Giant Angora hug
P.S. Subscribe today!
The Angora Newsflash - Weekly fiber-filled update with exclusive tips, rabbitry showcase, celebrating show wins, nestbox announcements, etc. Don't miss out on any Angora news.
Comments