Evaluating Giant Angora Juniors - Real Decisions, Real Surprises
- Tammy Vaughn
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
A behind-the-scenes look at how I evaluate young rabbits for show, breeding, and sale
Miss Rapturous & Mr Cheerful's Kits
(Pictures coming soon to our FV's Rabbitry Listing, plus a couple may be listed for sale too on Discord)
Meet my latest F3's;
FV's Meadow Chestnut Agouti buck
FV's Wiggles Chestnut Agouti doe
FV's Dewdrop Fawn buck
FV's Dandelion Chocolate Agouti doe
FV's Ganache Chocolate buck
There is something about evaluation day that never gets old.
It is equal parts excitement, curiosity, and let’s be honest… a little bit of internal debate. Because this is where dreams meet reality. This is where you look at what you’ve produced and ask yourself, “Does this move my program forward?”
Today was one of those days.
Curious how I evaluate my rabbits? You can read more about my rabbitry goals here.
I sat down with five of my juniors, right around three and a half months old, and gave them a full once-over. Body, wool, furnishings, color, temperament… all of it. And as always, they had opinions of their own.
Some of these rabbits, I originally planned to keep without question. Others I assumed would be easier decisions. But rabbits have a funny way of humbling you.
One of the biggest surprises was a doe I had mentally labeled as a fawn. As I started working through her coat and really looking at her color and structure, I had one of those “wait a minute…” moments. The deeper I looked, the more it became clear — she was not what I thought she was at all. She's actually a very high rufus Chocolate Agouti! YAYYYYY! I am in love again!
And honestly, that is part of the magic of working with color genetics and wool.
Evaluation is not just about checking boxes. It is about learning. It is about adjusting. It is about being willing to change your mind when the rabbit in front of you tells a different story than the one you had planned.
As I worked through each rabbit, I took notes the way I always do. Simple, consistent, honest. Things like body structure, density, furnishings, color clarity, and even temperament. Because a calm rabbit on the table matters more than people realize.
Some stood out immediately. Strong bodies, beautiful rise, solid wool. Others had small faults that I noted for future breeding decisions. And a couple… well, they made me pause.
Those are the hardest ones. Because sometimes a rabbit is good. Really good. But not quite what your program needs right now. That is where decisions get real.
This group includes a few I will be offering for sale. Not because they are not nice, but because I am shifting direction and making room for the next step in my program. And that is something I think more breeders need to talk about openly. Letting go is part of growing.
I also spent time grooming, working through small mats, checking eyes, teeth, toenails, and just getting my hands on them. That hands-on time matters. It tells you things no pedigree ever will.
By the end of the session, I had a clearer picture of who is staying, who is going, and who I need to keep watching.
And yes… I may have fallen in love with one or two all over again.
That happens too.
If you want to see the full evaluation and walk through these decisions with me in real time, be sure to watch the video. It is as real and unfiltered as it gets.
And if you are raising Angoras yourself, I hope this gives you a little confidence to trust your eye, take good notes, and let your rabbits teach you.
Because they will!
Discord Giveaway!
Congratulations to Logan and Kallie, for winning last week's Discord Giveaway! Your books will be in the mail!
Be sure to enter in this week's giveaway, "Hare Today - Yarn Tomorrow" Vinyl Perma-sticker.
BTW, if you want to join our Colored Giant Village on Discord, Here's your way in;
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.
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