Rabbits & Chickens don't mix

by Norm
(Houston, TX)

There are a number of diseases which may be contracted by chickens that can be readily transmitted to rabbits, so caution must be taken to isolate chickens from any rabbit habitat area. Many of these illnesses can be air-borne. This subject would make a good paper. Any Vets or folks familiar with zoological diseases care to pick up this topic?

***** Karen Sez *****
Vets? Folks? Anyone with authoritative info?

I asked around when I decided to run my chickens under my rabbit cages (not on top, under only). What I found was that lots and lots of breeders DO mix the two species, without allowing the chickens to roost on the rabbit cages. These comments don't answer the airborne question, however.

My main concern was coccidia. I was told that the strains of coccidia are species-specific. I sure hope so!

What I can say right now is that my rabbits are completely healthy and so are the chickens. I pray it stays that way, and will definitely publish on this site any authoritative comments or papers we receive.

Thanks for the comments and question, Norm.