Rabbits and chickens are two of the most common homestead animals because they do not occupy large spaces and are easily carried, petted, and enjoyed by people of all ages.
However, these two animals do not always get along well!
So if you are wondering if chickens and rabbits can live together, read this post to understand why housing rabbits and chickens together is often a mistake.
Can Rabbits and Chickens Live Together
Although some rabbits live with chickens in peace, rabbits living with chickens is not the norm for these two farm animals.
For example, on our hobby farm we keep our rabbits and chickens separate.
The primary reasons we do not house our chickens and rabbits together is because of the social behavioral and dietary differences between rabbits and chickens.
Social Behavior of Rabbits
Rabbits are small mammals that are natural prey animals.
As such, they exhibit a highly nervous disposition and are easily startled and stressed.
However, rabbits are also naturally social animals due to their vulnerability and, in the wild, live in groups.
For this reason, If you choose to have rabbits, then we highly recommend having at least two rabbits on your homestead!
Rabbit Social Hierarchy
Rabbits do practice social hierarchy within their social groups, as each group contains a few bucks (male rabbits) and many does (female rabbits).
Males rabbits are the most aggressive and rabbits will fight amongst themselves to determine and maintain the top social position, often bullying younger or lower ranking rabbits.
Surprisingly, female rabbits will also partake in bullying of lower ranking rabbits and can be quite aggressive!
Having your rabbits live together for small periods of time works well for overall socialization and company, although long term group housing of rabbits often leads to injury and stress due to bullying.
To make it easy, these are our basic guidelines here at Hobby Farm Heaven for managing rabbit social hierarchy:
- Before housing two female rabbits together, observe them in open spaces for a while to see how they interact and if bullying occurs. If all is well, feel free to house them together as long as the hutch is large enough (i.e. each rabbit should be able to establish a private area within the hutch).
- Never house two mature bucks in the same hutch together as this is asking for aggressive behavior between the two.
- Never house a mature buck and doe together unless you want them to mate.
- Separate does from their kits after about 8 weeks to avoid aggressive behaviors and mating.
- If allowing your different rabbits to socialize, do so in a large outdoor space where each rabbit will feel comfortable and safe.
Confused about your aggressive rabbit? Read our post on why rabbits are aggressive for more information.
Social Behavior of Chickens
Chickens are birds that have been highly domesticated all around the world.
They too are naturally social animals, live in flocks, and are well known for their very aggressive social behavior. Especially the chicken peck-order, or, the hierarchical status of each individual in the flock.
Chicken Social Hierachy
Chicken social hierarchy is most practiced among hens (female chickens). Each flock of hen chickens, no matter how small or big, will replicate a similar system of establishing and keeping the peck-order.
Note that roosters (male chickens) will also assume the top social role if kept with a group of hens. But if no rooster is present, the biggest and strongest hen will take the top role.
Interestingly, social rank depends on multiple factors including size, color, and even egg size.
As such, new, smaller, and weaker chickens are regulated to the bottom while established, bigger, and tougher chickens remain at the top.
The social hierarchy of chickens dictates when and what a chicken will eat and can get quite aggressive between the hens!
For example, on our hobby farm, the hens at the bottom of the hierarchy are much smaller and sometimes experience harsh pecks from more dominant hens.
We will be offering a post full of best practices for managing chicken pecking order soon, so stay tuned!
Overall, while both rabbits and chickens are social animals, chickens exhibit a stricter and usually more aggressive social hierarchy than rabbits.
Rabbits and Chickens: Dietary Differences
When wondering can rabbits live with chickens we must also consider any dietary differences between the two animals.
For example, rabbits are strict herbivores that have evolved to process high-fiber foods. Their natural diet includes:
- Grasses
- Hays
- Other plant greens
- Some vegetables
Note that manufactured rabbit pellets are a great way to augment a high-fiber diet for homestead and pet rabbits.
Read about foods rabbits can eat for more information on the sensitive digestive system of bunnies and to learn why they cannot digest high sugar or protein foods!
On the other hand, chickens are omnivores that eat a range of protein rich foods such as:
- Insects
- Worms
- Grains
- Seeds
- Fruits
The natural diet of these two homestead animals is so different because rabbits and chickens require different amounts and arrays of vitamins and minerals in order to remain in good health.
Rabbits Cannot Eat Chicken Feed
Because chicken feed is so high in protein and grain content, bunnies cannot eat chicken feed!
This includes chicken scratch, chicken pellets, and any other type of chicken feed.
However, chickens can and will happily eat any available hay, grass or rabbit pellets within reach without issue.
This alone is an important factor to think about when wondering can chickens and rabbits can live together.
Housing Rabbits and Chickens Separately
Due to the social and dietary differences between rabbits and chickens we at Hobby Farm Heaven do not house our rabbits and chickens together.
We suggest that the risk of interspecies bullying is high and that both the rabbit and the chicken may end up severely injured.
In addition, while it is okay for the chicken to nibble at your rabbit’s feed, your rabbit will suffer from serious indigestion if they nibble at your chicken’s feed!
We have found that it is much better for our animals to designate different and independent living areas for each.
The Exception – Housing Rabbits and Chickens Separately
Now if you only have one or two chickens and one or two rabbits you may be able to create a harmonious space and relationship between these animals.
Note that this is only possible outside of a large animal ‘group’ context and depends heavily on the individual rabbit and chicken, as both animals must bond with each other.
How can you safely allow your rabbit and chicken to bond?
By introducing the animals to each other slowly, in a safe and stress free environment, and at a young age.
You can even offer treats to both animals to encourage relaxed and friendly behavior.
Never force your rabbit or chicken to interact as this is not conducive to natural bonding!
During this introduction period it is very important to remain with your animals to observe, listen, and intervene if necessary.
If both the rabbit and chicken seem unafraid, comfortable, and friendly together you can start to give them short periods of time together alone; but stay close by to observe, listen and intervene if necessary.
If your rabbit and chicken continue to be friendly and social together, wonderful! Even better if they participate in positive physical contact like sleeping or resting together.
However, it is very important to practice separate feeding times for your rabbit and chicken. This ensures that each animal is not food stressed and will also protect the health of your rabbit. Remember, never give your rabbit access to chicken feed!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits And Chickens Live Together
Can Rabbits Eat Through Chicken Wire?
Chicken wire is not an effective barrier for use with rabbits.
Chicken wire is a thin (19 to 22 gauge) metal mesh wire that is often used on homesteads as a fence or barrier for chickens or other fowl.
Because it is so thin, rabbits can bite through this wire with their strong teeth.
Can Rabbis Get Sick From Chickens?
Yes, both rabbits and chickens may get sick from each other.
This is because each animal hosts different bacterias (and even parasites) that can infect the other and cause discomfort and sickness. This is especially possible if a rabbit eats chicken feces.
Can Rabbits Eat Chicken Feed?
No, rabbits cannot eat chicken feed. Chicken feed is actually unhealthy for rabbits as they cannot properly digest its high grain and protein content.
Final Thoughts on Can Chickens and Rabbits Live Together
The most important facts to remember regarding rabbits and chickens living together are:
- Rabbits and chickens are both naturally social animals with unique forms of social hierarchy
- Both rabbits and chickens can be aggressive
- Rabbits and chickens have very different dietary needs and food requirements
- Rabbits cannot eat chicken feed although chickens can eat rabbit feed
- It is easier and safer if only a pair rabbits share spaces with a pair chickens, rather than large groups
While these do not make it impossible for a rabbit and a chicken to live together, it means that owners who wish to house their bunnies and chickens together must:
- Take the time and effort to ensure safe and healthy bonding
- Practice separate feeding times
- Always remain vigilant
This video shares 6 important considerations to think about before housing chickens and rabbits together.