Can Rabbits And Chickens Live Together?

Can chickens and rabbits live together? Indeed, chickens and rabbits are two of the most popular farm animals that can live beautifully in harmony. History has proven that you can raise these animals together, and they can enjoy each other's company!

Nevertheless, some safeguards must be followed to keep these feathered and furry friends in harmony and free from outside dangers.

Introducing Rabbits And Chickens Together

People who have never owned chickens probably think they are herbivores. That is very far from the truth. Most people realize that chickens enjoy hearty doses of worms and insects in their diet, making them omnivores.

Chickens will also eat tiny frogs, lizards, baby birds (sometimes their own newly hatched or "aborted" eggs), meat byproducts, and most abhorrently, they will attack and potentially devour baby creatures such as baby rabbits.

Therefore, the two species must be introduced slowly and, even more preferably, as babies. It is best to introduce animals as early as possible.

Young animals do not exhibit hostility, fear, or potentially harmful or restrictive responses to other species. Just as other pets can learn to live in harmony from "infancy," the same is true with these little guys.

Creating The Right Environment

Yes, bunnies and chickens can live together. But before stocking up on hay and feed, you must create the right environment for them. After all, rabbits and chickens have different needs to keep them happy and healthy, so you'll want to ensure you can balance the two. 

Space

The first is space. Rabbits should have enough space to retreat from their larger feathered friends. Giving each animal its housing area is usually a good idea. If possible, ensure hiding spots are available so your rabbits won't feel too exposed.

Diet

The second is diet. Chickens are omnivores, while rabbits are herbivores, so ensuring they both have what they need to stay healthy is essential. You'll also want to ensure that the food you provide is not shared between the two species. You don't want your bunny chowing down on a piece of meat!

Safety

Lastly, safety is critical when keeping rabbits and chickens together. Rabbits may be prey animals, but they can still be dangerous to chickens if they feel stressed or threatened. Be sure to keep an eye on their interactions and separate them if needed — while rabbits may enjoy snuggling up with a chicken buddy in their enclosure, there should always be a clear line between predator and prey!

Cautionary Tips For Co-Existing Chickens And Rabbits

If you let your chickens and rabbits live together, you can take a few precautionary measures to ensure everyone is happy and healthy.

Food

Remember that chickens will eat anything they come across, including the feed meant for your rabbit. To keep your rabbit's food safe, ensure it's stored somewhere they can't reach it. Also, avoid feeding them too much of the same type of feed. A balanced diet is vital!

Supervision

Always watch your animals when they're together, especially when introducing them. It's better to be safe than sorry! If signs of aggression or fear arise, separate them immediately and try reintroducing them later.

Problems In The Hutch Or Coop

Things can go wrong if you decide to house chickens and rabbits together. Knowing how to handle these situations quickly is vital, so your animals remain safe and healthy.

Establish Dominance

Generally, when chickens and rabbits are housed together, the chickens become more dominant. If the two types of animals don't get along, the chickens are likely picking on the rabbits. Separate them as soon as possible to reduce the risk of injury or death.

Signs of Stress

It's essential to watch your animals for signs of stress or aggression so you can react swiftly if needed. A distressed rabbit may cry out loudly or run away from the situation with its ears laid back. If a chicken is angry or aggressive towards another animal, it might flap its wings or peck wildly at any nearby animal.

If you spot any of these signs in either animal, separate them immediately to prevent further harm. As much as you may wish they could live peacefully together, it doesn't always work out that way—so be prepared with a plan in case they can't get along!

Diseases To Be Aware Of

While there has been anecdotal evidence for years that rabbits and chickens can happily co-exist in the same space, there are some potential health risks that you should be aware of.

Bacterial Diseases

Bacteria can spread quickly from the chicken's litterbox to the rabbit's food bowls or toys, leading to bacterial diseases such as Salmonella or E.Coli, both of which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and even sometimes death in small animals like rabbits.

Chickens carry illnesses that they may pass onto rabbits. In particular, chicken droppings are a problem. Chicken feces can spread several diseases to a passing rabbit.

Parasites

Parasites can also quickly spread between rabbits and chickens, with common parasites such as fleas, lice, and mites being some of the most common offenders. These parasites can cause severe itching, skin lesions, and anemia in both animal species, making them dangerous if not managed quickly.

The best way to prevent these diseases is to keep chickens and rabbits in separate enclosures where possible. This will reduce the risk of them spreading any illnesses to one another and keep them both healthy. Additionally, it is essential to maintain a regular schedule for cleaning both enclosures to minimize the chance of bacteria spreading between them.

So . . . Can Rabbits And Chickens Live Together?

Rabbits and chickens can live together if you create the right environment. Ensure both animals have their own spaces should they need to hide and have plenty of room to roam.

Provide them with the right supplements and plenty of fresh hay. Lastly, never forget to supervise! Keeping a close eye on your animals' behavior is the best way to ensure that your rabbits and chickens remain happy and healthy together.

FAQs

Can chickens use a rabbit hutch?

If the hutch has abundant space and is space efficient, chickens can use them as their coop and as an area to lay eggs or create their nest. Chickens typically require more space than rabbits, and their living requirements differ, so utilizing a rabbit hutch for chickens may not be ideal. While chickens naturally roost at night, rabbits do not perch, so a hutch may not provide adequate space for chickens to roost comfortably.

Do I need to neuter male rabbits when they live with chickens?

It is generally recommended to neuter male rabbits (and spay female rabbits), regardless of whether they live with chickens or not. Neutering can prevent aggressive behavior, such as biting and territorial marking, and reduces rabbits' cancer risk. It can also make them more social and affectionate towards other animals and humans. However, if the rabbits live with chickens, neutering may not be necessary for reproductive reasons, as the two species cannot interbreed.

Can rabbits and chickens share a run?

Yes, rabbits and chickens can share a run. However, keep in mind that rabbits can be easily frightened or injured by chickens, so it's essential to introduce them slowly and supervise them closely until they have become accustomed to each other. As long as precautions are taken, rabbits and chickens can potentially live together in a shared run, providing each other with companionship and additional stimulation.

Now that you know that rabbits and chickens can live together, why not find the answer to the question, "Can Rabbits Swim?" You can also check our bunny lover hoodie perfect for the bunny lover in your life!