Raising Animals for Fiber

Producing Wool from Sheep, Goats, Alpacas, and Rabbits in Your Backyard

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Pub Date 10 Sep 2019 | Archive Date 22 Jan 2020
Fox Chapel Publishing, CompanionHouse Books

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Description

Fiber Animals for the Backyard and Hobby Farm Raising backyard fiber animals is rising in popularity, as more and more people seek traditional textiles for yarn-focused crafts like knitting, crocheting, and weaving, as well as spinning, embroidery, needlepoint, needle felting, wet felting, and fiber dying. This book offers an essential reference for anyone who is considering their own production of animal fibers. Author and fiber farmer Chris McLaughlin provides a comprehensive introduction to raising livestock for wool. With practical information for the aspiring beginner, Chris helps you to decide which species will best serve your own lifestyle criteria and needs. Inside Raising Animals for Fiber · Comprehensive guide to raising sheep, goats, angora rabbits, and alpacas · Practical information on housing, fencing, feed, grooming, shearing, plucking, basic health care, breeding and birthing. · Comparison of popular breeds and how their fiber differs from breed to breed. · Frank discussion of the energy and commitment that it takes to raise livestock, and how much room and land each animal species will need. · Essential biosecurity practices to prevent spreading pests and infectious animal diseases. · Advice on hand spinning and crafts to utilize your homegrown fiber.

Fiber Animals for the Backyard and Hobby Farm Raising backyard fiber animals is rising in popularity, as more and more people seek traditional textiles for yarn-focused crafts like knitting...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781620083246
PRICE $19.99 (USD)
PAGES 176

Available on NetGalley

Send to Kindle (PDF)

Average rating from 18 members


Featured Reviews

An extremely thorough look at raising livestock for fiber. Chapters on four main types of animals raised for fiber (goats, sheep, rabbits, and alpacas) include how to select the right animals, feed, housing, shearing, etc. Written with winking humor and genuine affection for the animals. Plenty of photos and sidebars with lots of information. A good guide for newbies or anyone wanting a simple reference volume.

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This is an amazing resource for those who are fiber artists and wanting to learn more about raising fiber animals in their backyard. The book goes through great detail about four fiber-producing animals and how to care for them in your backyard. McLaughlin gives comparison charts between the different animals (sheep, alpacas, angora rabbits, and angora goats) to show which ones might be easier to care for and pros and cons of each. Each animal then has their own section which includes caring for the animals, basic medical info, special terms and diseases to watch for. McLaughlin also includes details about types of shelter and pastures and fences for each animal. If you are wondering about raising backyard fiber-producing animals, this book will answer all of your questions and more! I highly recommend this to my fiber artist friends.

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As a fiber artist, I'm always thinking that I should go straight to the source and raise my own fiber animals. I know it's not nearly as easy as it sounds or looks on paper and of course on instagram, But Raising Animals for Fiber is a an amazing resource for those who are considering doing just that. If you're a crafter or want a side line to supply to fiber artists and you're trying to decide what really goes into it, this book is for you.. It dives into very detailed information about the four main fiber-producing animals, their care, their special needs and what can be expected with each type. Chris shows in comprehensive details about sheep, alpacas, angora rabbits, and angora goats, which type of animal would work work in different kinds of setting, from backyards to small farms. There are details not only on housing but also important information on health concerns, diseases and injuries to look for as well as basic care for each animal. .Raising Animals for fiber is a great place to start and would be a book you'll want to keep on hand when considering starting your own flock, I'd recommend it to anyone who is a fiber consumer looking to up their game or a person looking to getting to the business of supplying fiber. Even if you've thought about just starting small with a couple of house angora rabbits or your'e dreaming about a large herd of sheep, I'd suggest you pick up this book before you pick up your first animal!

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