chances of dying?

Question
hey, i'm considering to breed my two rabbits. my male is a mini rex at about 6-7 months of age and my female is a mix of somesort (possible dutch mix) at about 5 pounds and about 5-6 years of age and was given to us from another owner that couldn't take care of her anymore.

anyways, i was wondering if it would even be a good idea breeding her at this age with him. she is very healthy, active, and wanting to mate. i think she would be a very good mother and i have good homes readily willing to take in a rabbit if they do conceive. also, i'm worried that complications will arise during labor and she might die and i was wondering if that was common during rabbit labor for the doe to die. i hear stories about this and it worries me. i love my rabbit to death and if it means that she would have to die i would rather her not at all. thanks!

Answer
Dear Alicia,

It would be *extremely* risky for you to breed your older female rabbit with the male.  Not only might they not be compatible in size (a Dutch mix is small, and that means any large babies could make a difficult or fatal labor), but also her age means that her pelvic bones are fused now, and not likely to allow easy labor.

Please do not consider breeding her if you love her.  Please also read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html

for more reasons.  

If both bunnies are spayed and neutered, you can carefully bond them with the instructions here:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=bonding&user=enter...

and never have to worry about danger to her or her mate.

Hope that helps.

Dana