Breeding mini rex

Question
Hello, I have a lilic brindle mini rex doe, I bought her from a pet store at in January so shes about 6 1/2 months old, shes very friendly and healthy and has stayed very tiny about 3 pounds. I have decided I want to get a male mini rex and have one or two litters, could you please advise me on how old the male should be? whats needed when the female is pregnant? and how many litters are o.k in a year? also how many babies are normaly in each litter? please get back to me as soon as possible, thanks.

Answer
First, I want you to understand that pet store rabbits are breeder's cast offs which means there is something about your rabbit that makes her less than ideal for breeding.  Her offspring will probably only be good for pet quality animals.  I always strive to offer the best stock to my clients regardless of their intentions for the rabbits (show or pet).  That being said, I sugggest getting a book called "Raising Rabbits the Modern Way" or another of many books available for those interested in breeding rabbits.  There are too many things that must be considered for me to give you an accurate detail of what you need to know in an email.  

I always recommend that the the pair both be at least 6 months old in the smaller breeds for breeding.  I don't like to allow a doe to have more than 3 litters in a year for the sake of her health, though she can physically have many more.  A young doe may produce as few as one or two in her first couple of litters.  Mid aged rabbits (1-2 years) are in prime breeding and can produce as many as 8-10.  An average sized litter for a healthy doe is about 6.

One more thing, please consider your motives for breeding.  Rabbit breeding is not as easy as the old wive's tales suggest and the doe can be lost for many reasons.  Pet quality rabbits are great for those looking for pets, but they can be harder to sell.  To be a responsible rabbit owner all of these things need to be considered.

Brenda