Bunnies and chickens cohabitation?

[Sasha's coop]

We have a large outdoor rabbit hutch with one female bunny, 9 months old. I'd like to give her 2 young chicken companions. Can they live together in the hutch? It has a safe roosting area upstairs, with a protected downstairs. I don't have chickens yet, but hope to get some soon. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I wouldn't. Rabbits can be moody and quick to bolt at troubles. It would stress the chickens. A hutch is too small for chickens anyways, even silkies. I personally wouldn't combine them, especially in a smaller set up. I have read folks combining them in a bigger chicken coop, but there still can be problems.

 

[Chickassan]

Don't do it. Chickens sleep at night rabbits don't, so you're taking an almost inevitable risk of the chickens getting chewed on while they sleep.

 

[Zoomie]

Rabbits are very territorial (they will sometimes even kill another rabbit) so why are you considering putting chickens in the rabbit's cage? Your rabbit would far prefer to live alone. And yes: rabbits are nocturnal. During the day they prefer to sleep. A rabbit would NOT appreciate a chicken scratching and fluttering around during the day.

Enjoy your pet rabbit. They are so cute and so fun! If you want chickens, build them a coop and a run and enjoy them too - separately.

 

[pineapple416]

Yes I agree it probably isn't a good idea. Female rabbits especially can be very aggressive and territorial of their space. We had a neighborhood rabbit attack our bantam hen and bite her on the neck and it was pretty serious so I have been cautious since then. Sometimes I let my rabbits run outside with the flock and it is okay but I don't think it would be safe in a confined space.