Can Rabbits Live With Chickens? (Yes, Here's How)

Both rabbits and chickens are fun backyard pets. But, can rabbits live with chickens and vice versa when sharing the same space?

Absolutely!

There are some obvious risks to be aware of, namely fighting and diseases.

But when properly introduced and taking the time to ensure they have clean and spacious living arrangements, they can be the perfect roommates.

Here are some steps to follow if you’re introducing these two popular outdoor pets to ensure they live in harmony together:

Table of Contents

5 Steps to Help Rabbits and Chickens Live in Harmony

Take the Time to Manage Their Introduction

It can be two cats, a dog…. or rabbits and chickens. If you want animals to get along, especially two different species of animal, you need to introduce them carefully.

The younger you can introduce animals, the better. Young animals are much more adaptable and less likely to be aggressive.

Either way, it’s always a good idea to introduce them with a fence/mesh in between. Let them both get used to the smells, how each other moves, and the fact that there is no danger present at first.

Over time allow them to share the same space and get to know each other for longer periods while you’re there.

They will almost certainly have a peck at each other here and there, it’s normal to test the boundaries. As long as it’s not able to escalate, which is why you’re there, it’ll be fine.

Provide Plenty of Space

The rule of thumb here is that the more space both your chickens and rabbits have, the better.

Cramped conditions will cause stress and someone is almost certainly going to lash out. They need both plenty of space to roam around, they also need some of their own space to retreat to when they want to be alone.

It is possible for rabbits and chickens to share a coop, but ideally, you should give them their own separate living areas.

This is because you can’t watch them at all times when they’re locked in under the same roof. Plus, they’re less likely to eat each other's poop which reduces the risk of diseases transferring if they’re living separately.

Stay on Top of Cleanliness

It’s very, very important that you stay on top of keeping the areas both animals will share very clean.

There are some diseases that can be transferred to and from each animal, but the risks are very low when you keep their shared areas clean.

Salmonella is the main concern. Rabbits can pick this up from chicken poop, likewise, pasteurellosis can be transferred fro rabbits to chickens.

Both of which can be transferred through feces. As much as we love our chicks and rabbits and see them as domesticated pets, we have to be real here - they will eat each other’s poop. Ewww!

Related content - How often do chickens poop? (Probaly more often than you think!)

Neuter Male Rabbits

A lot of animals and this applies to rabbits, in particular, find it hard to control thier urges unless they are neutered.

Having a male rabbit full of hormones in amongst a flock of hens is a recipe for disaster. Getting him neutered will curb these urges and make for a more harmonious environment.

That’s the most polite way I can phrase that I think!

Any Sign of Issues - Separate Them

As much as having your chickens and rabbits sharing the same space amicably would make your life easier, if it doesn’t look like it’s working out you’ll have to abandon the plan.

It’s not a huge issue. You just need a separate hutch and run for your rabbits and a coop with a run for your chickens.

I’ve spoken with a bunch of backyard pet owners that have had both of these animals living together. They told me about the odd issue, but it worked out for all of them.

So, it’s fair to be hopeful that you can create a happy environment for both your chooks and bunnies.