Rabbit Genetics and Coloring

Question
This will be my very first year raising rabbits and I choose mini rex. My first rabbit passed away a couple weeks after I got her. The vet said it was an upper repertory infection. When I went to pick out another rabbit I noticed that many of the other rabbits were breathing like they had a cold and weren't very active. This is what mine did when I received her. Could this be genetic?Also I love the tri-colors and was wondering would I get one if I bred a Red with a Chocolate since the red has tri-color in his background? If not, what would I get?

Answer
Upper respiratory problems are VERY contagious. They are not actually genetic, but a weak immune system (more prone to infections) is genetic. Upper respiratory infections need to be tested to see what is causing them. Any affected rabbits need to be kept well away from healthy ones (a sneezing rabbit can send the bacteria quite a way).

Depending on what is causing the infection, it may only be treatable, not curable. If this is the case you will need to discuss with the vet what is the best course of action. As a breeder you will definitely not want to keep these sick rabbits around. You may find a home where the owner can afford the time and money to care for them, but where there are no other rabbits to infect.