When I first decided to raise Angora goats, my main goal was simple: produce high-quality mohair. I had read about how luxurious and valuable their fleece was, and I figured it would be a rewarding, albeit challenging, endeavor. What I didn’t expect was just how much these goats would teach me – not just about fiber production, but about animal care, land management, and even patience.
This journey was far from easy, and there were moments when I questioned if it was worth it. But after a year of raising these beautiful creatures, I can confidently say that Angora goats offer so much more than just their wool.
More Than Just a Fancy Goat
Angora goats are unlike any other livestock I’ve worked with. Their curly, silky coats and calm demeanor make them stand out from the usual barnyard crowd. Unlike some of the more mischievous goat breeds, Angoras are surprisingly gentle, which made handling them easier than expected.
But don’t be fooled by their fancy appearance – these goats are tough in their own way. They thrive in hot, dry climates, and their fleece, while soft and luxurious, offers them natural protection from the elements. However, this also means they require special care in wet or cold conditions, something I had to learn the hard way.
The Challenge of Shearing
I knew Angora goats needed regular shearing, but I didn’t realize just how different it was from shearing sheep. Unlike sheep, Angora goats don’t naturally shed their fiber, so if you don’t shear them twice a year, their fleece keeps growing – and fast.
The first time I attempted shearing, it was a disaster. The fleece is long and curly, making it trickier to handle than sheep’s wool. I quickly learned that patience is key, and investing in a good set of shears makes all the difference. By my second shearing session, I had a better rhythm and could appreciate just how much high-quality mohair these goats produce.
No Lanolin, No Problem?
One thing that sets Angora goats apart from sheep is that their wool doesn’t contain lanolin. This has its pros and cons. On the bright side, mohair is naturally soft, lightweight, and resistant to wrinkles. It’s a dream material for spinners and weavers.
However, the lack of lanolin also means Angora goats aren’t waterproof. Unlike sheep, which have natural oil to repel moisture, Angoras get soaked to the skin when it rains. This makes them vulnerable to cold stress and can lead to serious health problems if they aren’t properly sheltered. After one particularly bad storm, I realized just how crucial a dry, windproof shelter is for their well-being.
A Surprising Source of Meat
I originally got Angora goats for their fiber, but I quickly learned that they’re also a great source of high-quality meat. While they’re not raised specifically for this purpose, their meat is lean, mild, and slightly sweeter than regular goat meat. It was an unexpected bonus that added more value to my herd.
Of course, this led to another realization: Angora goats are not great milk producers. Unlike dairy breeds, their milk supply is just enough to sustain their kids. I had to bottle-feed some of the weaker ones to ensure they thrived, which was a learning curve in itself.
Angoras Need Space to Roam
One of the things I love most about Angora goats is their natural instinct to forage. They’re not picky eaters and will happily graze on shrubs, weeds, and brush, making them excellent for land management.
However, I learned that fencing is a must. While they’re not as notorious as other goat breeds for escaping, they will wander if given the chance. A good, sturdy fence saved me from countless chases across the pasture.
Vulnerable to Parasites
If there’s one major downside to raising Angoras, it’s their susceptibility to parasites. Their thick fleece makes it easy for lice and mites to hide, and they’re not as naturally resistant to parasites as some other goat breeds.
I had to stay on top of deworming and regularly check for signs of infestation. It was an added responsibility, but one that became second nature over time. A healthy goat produces better wool, so it was well worth the extra effort.
Not Built for the Cold
It’s easy to assume that a goat covered in thick, curly fleece would be well-suited for winter. But Angoras are actually quite sensitive to cold weather. Since their fleece doesn’t repel water, it gets heavy when wet, making them prone to hypothermia.
The key was shearing at the right time. If I sheared them too late in the fall, they didn’t have enough wool to stay warm. If I sheared them too early in spring, they risked getting too cold from lingering winter weather. Timing was everything, and I had to carefully watch the forecast before scheduling shearing.
High Maintenance, High Reward
Angora goats are not a “set it and forget it” kind of livestock. They require regular grooming, careful diet management, and close monitoring for health issues. But despite the extra work, they are one of the most profitable goat breeds.
Mohair is in high demand, and even a small herd can bring in a solid income. I quickly realized that quality over quantity is key – a few well-cared-for goats produce more valuable fleece than a large, neglected herd.
The Joy of Raising Angoras
Beyond their fiber and financial value, Angora goats have a charm that’s hard to resist. They’re gentle, curious, and form strong bonds with their caretakers. Unlike some of the rowdier goat breeds, they’re relatively easy to handle, which makes chores like hoof trimming and health checks much less stressful.
I’ve spent many afternoons just watching them graze, their soft fleece blowing in the wind. There’s something peaceful about tending to them, knowing that the effort I put in comes back in the form of beautiful mohair and a deeper connection to my land.
A Rewarding Experience
Raising Angora goats was far more work than I expected, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I went into it thinking I’d just be producing mohair, but I came out of it with valuable skills, unforgettable lessons, and a herd of goats that I genuinely enjoy caring for.
If you’re considering raising Angora goats, be prepared for the work – but also be prepared for the rewards. They might demand extra attention, but what they give in return – luxurious fiber, land management, and a whole lot of personality – makes it all worthwhile.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.