Raising Chickens
and
Rabbits Together
Rabbits and chickens can be raised together, but it takes careful management to make sure it’s healthy and safe for both species. They have different needs, and if those aren’t balanced, one group (usually the rabbits) can suffer.
The Basic Idea
Many small-scale farmers successfully keep rabbits and chickens in the same area, especially in:
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Shared barns, sheds, or coops with divided zones
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Rotational pastures or tractors
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Stacked systems (e.g., rabbits in hutches above chickens, so droppings compost safely below)
But — they generally don’t share the exact same living space 24/7.
Benefits of Raising Them Together
Key Challenges & Risks
Best Housing Setup
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Separate sleeping/living quarters for each species (solid divider or hutch).
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Shared run or yard for limited, supervised daytime interaction if desired.
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Rabbits in raised hutches:
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Keeps them out of chicken droppings.
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Droppings fall through to be composted naturally by scratching chickens below.
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Chickens on ground level:
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Provide roosts and nest boxes apart from rabbit zones.
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Clean often: damp, ammonia-filled bedding is dangerous to both species.
Feeding & Watering
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Feed separately.
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Rabbit feed is high-fiber and low-calorie.
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Chicken feed has added calcium that can damage rabbit kidneys.
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Keep feeders and waterers out of reach from the other species.
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Ensure both species have access to clean, dry, unfrozen water (especially in winter).
Temperament & Compatibility
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Rabbits are quiet and territorial — give them hiding areas.
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Chickens are curious and peck by instinct — more dominant in mixed groups.
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Gentle chicken breeds (like Orpingtons, Cochins, or Australorps) tend to coexist better than flighty or aggressive ones (like Leghorns).
Sanitation & Health
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Regularly clean and replace bedding.
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Monitor for mites, lice, or respiratory issues — both species can share pests.
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Compost droppings thoroughly before using in gardens (to kill pathogens).
Good Pairing Scenarios
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Rabbits in suspended hutches above a chicken run.
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Divided barn or shed with wire or solid wall separation.
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Rotational paddock system where chickens follow rabbits (or vice versa) to clean up pests and spread manure.
