Can bunnies live with chicks?

[snkjohnson]

I’d love to hear anyone’s experience about housing chicken and rabbits together. We just got 21 new chicks, my kids would love a couple of bunnies, can I raise them together, and if so, what is the best way to house the bunnies, in the coop with the chickens, or in the run? Do they need a separate hutch or pen? I’ve had chickens for years but am a total newbie with bunnies. Would love any info, pictures, or advice! Thank you.

 

[nuthatched]

No, not really. I would keep them separate .

 

[CloneFly]

I’d love to hear anyone’s experience about housing chicken and rabbits together. We just got 21 new chicks, my kids would love a couple of bunnies, can I raise them together, and if so, what is the best way to house the bunnies, in the coop with the chickens, or in the run? Do they need a separate hutch or pen? I’ve had chickens for years but am a total newbie with bunnies. Would love any info, pictures, or advice! Thank you.

I'm not too sure about raising the bunnies and chicks together, but I've kept my rabbits in the same run as my adult chickens and teenage pullets for a few years with no issues. Both rabbits were shelter rescues- I would highly suggest adopting if you're getting rabbits. Firstly, because they all come home fixed, so there's no chance of you accidently spawning a mini army, secondly, you get to give some shelter animals a second chance at life!

Warning though, rabbits aren't as sweet and cuddly as they seem and can be quite temperamental. I've never had issues with the bunnies harassing the chickens, but they will occasionally scuffle (especially if they're not bonded) and they can bite or kick if they don't want to be held. If you have toddlers, I'd suggest ensuring they only pet the bunnies until you've determined if they rabbits are docile enough to be held by them.

Chicken feed typically isn't good for rabbits, so you would either need to relocate feeders to an area the rabbits can't reach or add cayenne pepper to the feed- this is what I did. The chickens don't mind it as they can't feel the spice, but the rabbits absolutely hate it and learn real quick not to eat the spicy bird food. (As me how I know... my buck took a big chomp them proceeded to rush to the waterer and guzzle for about 3min .) I've never had issues with chickens trying to eat rabbit feed pellets, though they will go after hay or alfalfa.

I know some worry about the chickens consuming rabbit poo, but I've never had an issue with that- perhaps its the bedding/substrate I use? My girls aren't the brightest and have eaten plenty of things they're not supposed to, but rabbit crap isn't one thankfully! Rabbits can be an absolute joy to have in your coop/run, but I would do a bit of research on their temperaments and common health issues before adding any to your flock, that way if/when you do decide to bring some home, you're well prepared for any mishaps that occur! (Like a rabbit chewing up an electrical cord... or turning your a mini dresser into a floor level cabinet... or finding enough fur in your run to make a sweater.. )

 

[snkjohnson]

No, not really. I would keep them separate .

Why not?

 

[Loving my girls]

I think putting rabbits with chicks is not a good idea. Rabbits can be cranky and one nip would finish off the chick. Adult hens though I don’t really see the problem with adult and adult. The hens could protect themselves I feel.
I had rabbits and kept them indoors, they became perfectly trained to use a litter tray but it took a while. Is that possible for you ?

Ps Mine were called Stu (the boy) and Pye (the girl). Poor Stu went through hell trying to keep away from the love from Pye

 

[nuthatched]

Why not?

Chickens have wet, sticky poops. The bunnies will be pooped on and walk in the poops. Chickens will probably eat bunny poop.
It would be a nasty mess.
Different diets, you could kill the bunnies with chicken feed

 

[DragonflyAcres]

My rabbits and my chickens were initially raised together and did great. It was really cute having them together. However, bunnies are very clean and tidy, and they run around quickly. Chickens are messy and dirty, and they don't like things that run around quickly. What ultimately happened.... the bunnies ate the chickens' food, the chickens spilled and ate the bunnies' food and hay, and the chickens pooped all over the bunnies repeatedly. It was gross and I kept having to give the poor bunnies baths, which they hate. I ended up moving the bunnies and they are much happier elsewhere. I don't recommend keeping them together because their lifestyles are very different.

 

[DragonflyAcres]

Also... the bunnies would get in up in the chicken coop and could have smashed the eggs. It was really just... not good.

 

[snkjohnson]

I think putting rabbits with chicks is not a good idea. Rabbits can be cranky and one nip would finish off the chick. Adult hens though I don’t really see the problem with adult and adult. The hens could protect themselves I feel.
I had rabbits and kept them indoors, they became perfectly trained to use a litter tray but it took a while. Is that possible for you ?

Ps Mine were called Stu (the boy) and Pye (the girl). Poor Stu went through hell trying to keep away from the love from Pye

Thank you so much for this thorough response!!

 

[snkjohnson]

My rabbits and my chickens were initially raised together and did great. It was really cute having them together. However, bunnies are very clean and tidy, and they run around quickly. Chickens are messy and dirty, and they don't like things that run around quickly. What ultimately happened.... the bunnies ate the chickens' food, the chickens spilled and ate the bunnies' food and hay, and the chickens pooped all over the bunnies repeatedly. It was gross and I kept having to give the poor bunnies baths, which they hate. I ended up moving the bunnies and they are much happier elsewhere. I don't recommend keeping them together because their lifestyles are very different.

Thank you, this is super helpful!