I keep French Angora on a pasture system. I move them daily(often 2 or 3 times a day just because I am out there with them. They also free range when I am in the garden - litterally free, but they know where home is and where they are safe. . . they generally follow me around or flop under ferns. (I also dont have a huge predetor pressure concern but keep an eye out for cats, dogs and hawks that might be interested in bunny snacks). I was concerned about digging and had wood slates on the edg3es of the cage. . . but they dont dig . . . at all. They occasionally go after a root when they are free ranging but are generally napping in their cages not looking to tunnel to china. For various reasons some of them have ventured outside of their nightime enclosure(when they were a few months old), but even hours later I always find them chilling close to home - and I credit this to their general comfort with the area, the dangers, and being pretty happier little campers.
I do supplement their forage, but in general they are very happy with the greens and hay they finding hopping around my property. I do intentionally grow "rabbit food" patches tho(and chinken wire fence off "people food" patches). They are pretty intelegent on picking what they want to eat when. I was concerned about their food choices back when I first had them, and watched what they chose to eat closely . . . but they really seem to have figured it out and I worry less about what they might find and nbble on and more in making sure there is high quailty plantain, clover, grass, dock, etc around for their staple. P.S. they also really like some of my herb patches at certian times. . . and since I have plenty I let them have their fill when they want it - I do think they know what their bodies need, because they do switch it up quite a bit.
In the winter(6b/7 - SOUTH central Pa) I keep them with the quail in the non-heated(compost heated) green house, but I also have som e pretty inventive arcuteture and play are tricks to keep them clean and warm - thats another book tho. In the summer I try to keep them in a short a coat as possible while still rolling through their shed cycles and harvesting wool.
I only wanted to keep pets/livestock in their most natural systems, so I have never kept angoras any other way. I do not know if the coat care I have to give is more or less than others with FA, but Im pretty busy and I have time to keep them mat and plant debris free . . . so I think its reasonable. I have spun(and felted) some nice fiber products off of them. Im not sure Im winning any fiber show prizes here, but it is certianly nice enough that others want the product.
However, uterine cancer is high in rabbits - so they need bred or fixed, its unfair to them otherwise. I opt out of vet bills and elective surguries and "borrow" a buck from a neighbor to have a few kits each spring/summer. More poop machines!
These guys are as much my pets as they are a part of my fertility and fiber needs/dreams . . . and I think the system is working out for all of us.
