I think that most of the time, breeding goes fine and nothing happens to anyone, and everyone is healthy. But there IS the risk, so that's why I know I'm leery on the idea. He's probably just confident because of previous experience with breeding animals in general, but it never hurts to be cautious, IMO. Especially since after the babies, the female stands at the most risk, not the male. And as you said, it never hurts to try calling the breeder and asking!
