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Can Rabbits be housed near chickens?

22 11:19:50

Question
We have friends who were going to watch are rabbit while we went out of town.  They have a nice rabbit hutch with a ramp to an outdoor area were he will be able to get exercise.  The only concern I have is that it is next to the chicken house (but closed off) and at one time a hen was laying eggs in the rabbit cage.  Could our rabbit catch something from the chickens?  

Answer
Dear Tracey,

I would be concerned about Salmonella bacteria, which is harbored by *many* chickens and can cause serious illness in rabbits.

Rabbits should never be housed with or too close to birds of any kind for this reason.

Hope this helps.

Dana