Plum Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 We had rabbits when I was young and seem to remember they weren't much trouble to look after (probably my mum ended doing the work). I am wondering whether to have some now my OH is more amenable to animals, though he has put his foot down at a goat. Do you think they would get on with the chickens or would they bulley them if they were out in the garden together? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 I would have said that the chickens would bully the rabbits. However, when I visited a local breeder yesterday I actually saw rabbits and chickens living happily together in the same pens. I suppose you would have to introduce them carefully. I have no personal experience so wait and see what other people say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 Thanks Janty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 He had rabbits and chickens together on the farm who got on fine. The only time we suspected problems was when the hen went broody and hatched some chicks and they all died. As long as they can have their own little areas I'd think they'd be fine together. Hope it helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 I was thinking of their own hutch and run so thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiblick Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Storey's Guide To Raising Chickens actually suggests a rabbit as good stimulation for hens. The lolloping rabbit keeps the entertained. Since they are going to have separate spaces they should be fine together in 'free ranging' sessions! Indvidiual personalites notwithstanding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bald Carl Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Hi Plum, we have chickens (15 various breeds) and rabbits (2 flemish giants) and they tolerate each other without too many problems on a social level. The rabbits will just bound up to the chickens and they may get slightly annoyed and cluck off in a different direction. There can be a few problems for you to be aware of. Rabbits love to dig under fences etc. Ours did this which lead to a fox getting under the 6 foot fence all around our garden and killing most of our chickens 18 months ago. They also like to chew anything made out of wood - fence posts, trees (cover tree bases with chicken wire) and keep any nice plants out of their reach. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 31, 2009 Author Share Posted May 31, 2009 Thanks Carl and Wiblick. I shall have to do some more planning. We had a lot of rabbits at home who shared the orchard with the ducks and I remember them digging out quite often. When the fox got some was when they were in hutches off the ground at the end of the garden and it just bit through the wire. Plans on hold at present because OH thinks it's a really bad idea, but he said that with the chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
