Inter-breeding

Question
We have two french lop rabbits (brother and sister) we have had mixed views with regard to breeding of the same family!!Can you please let me know your opinion on the subject as I would not want to put the rabbits in any harm (they are 3months old)

Answer
Dear Natalie,

If the French lops are brother and sister, it is very likely that the babies will suffer from congenital defects.  French lops are already *highly* inbred, and even the healthy ones have problems due to this practice.  I would definitely *not* breed them, and have them both spayed/neutered as soon as they are old enough.  You can find more information on this here:

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

and

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

and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps. Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana