Dead baby bunnies

Question
We bred our Mini Lop in order for my daughter to have 4-H stock.  I went out today and checked on her she had babies but all 6 of them were dead.  They were all good sized and appeared healthy looking this would have been her first litter and she is 2 years old.  What could have caused this?  Can she be bred again and how long should we wait to try again?

Answer
Dear Tori,

Because I am a rabbit rescuer, and not a breeder, I am probably not the best person to ask for advice on breeding.  I can offer this:

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

There could be any number of reasons the babies died, including an inexperienced mother who did not properly feed them, or congenital problems--especially if the bunny was bred to a male who is related to her.  Without an autopsy, it is impossible to know for sure why they died.

I would not recommend that she be bred again.

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

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

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

Dana