can we breed them?

Question
I own a male rabbit (beano) who is 4 years old he is a dwarf lop. He is very active and desperate for a mate!
My friend owns a angora cross bunny who is 8 months old. She is often pulling out her fur and tring to make nests, (sort of a phantom pregnancy i think.)
We would both like to breed our rabbits together but wonder weather this is advisable? We have already found 8 of our other friends who would happiely take on a rabbit if we where to breed them as they both have fantastic personalities and amazing looks!
We know of all the complications that can occor in breeding and birth and have Reserched lots about this topic.
Do you think beano is at all too old. (he doesn't act it at all!) and do you think it is a bad idea to breed them? If not,can you give us any tips? thanks a lot! alice :]


Answer
I would advise against breeding any crossbred or pet quality rabbits, honestly. First, because there are already many crossbred and pet quality rabbits in rescues and shelters that are in desperate need of homes. Secondly, because you do not know what is behind the rabbits. Crossbreeds and pets were sold/given away as pets for a reason. That reason might be because their line carries genetic problems. Seizures, bad teeth, cataracts, tendancy toward hairballs (which can be fatal in rabbits), weak digestive system, deformities (some of which are fatal), and more can be passed on from parents to offspring. Bad temperament can also be passed on. While the parents may seem okay, their parents may have had bad temperaments, and that may pass on to the offspring, resulting in aggressive babies.

Also, even perfectly healthy rabbits are at a higher risk when they breed. The male and female could fight, causing serious wounds. The female could get a kit stuck during birth (requiring immediate, and likely expensive, vet care), she could get pregnancy toxemia (an often fatal disease), the kits could die inside of her and not be born at all (which can also be fatal), and more problems can occur. The female may also kill her babies if she is inexperienced as a mother. In fact, many first time mothers severely injure or kill their babies on accident.

Breeding any animal can be a risky business, even when a person is experienced and is working with carefully selected rabbits who do not have genetic problems in the line.

My honest advice would be to get Beano neutered and the female spayed. That will curb both of their desires to mate, and it will also prevent fatal cancers such as testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Spaying and neutering can improve behaviour and increase the rabbit's lifespan.