Chins & Rabbits

[kframe9]

I was just wondering what is everyone's opinion on keeping chins and rabbits (small ones) caged together. I know some people, not personally, that have done this before. I know there is the obvious food issue, but I was wondering what other negatives would be, if anyone does this or just a general opinion on the topic. :dunno:

[equus_peduus]

The food issues is the least of your worries, as both should be on timothy hay, and many, many people feed rabbit pellets to chins.

Problems can include disease (one or the other many carry diseases that rarely cause a problem unless the animal is stressed, but can be passed to the other species where it is a problem with or without stress). The fact that they need different kinds of space - chinchillas prefer vertical space, and rabbits horizontal. The fact that the two species "communicate" differently. The fact that something one does could cause the other to do something stupid and hurt itself - both are relatively delicate animals in some ways.

There are a number of threads on this topic. I don't think you'll find that anyone would advocate doing this.

[Kiki's Mom]

Yes there have been quite a few threads on this subject. The general consensus is that they should absolutely NOT be housed together. Aside from the health risks it poses, rabbits have incredibly strong back legs - one good kick to a chin could result in a dead chin.

[ebengston]

I do not even let my male chin come out to play at the same time as my female rex rabbit. My male chin has tried to mate with my bunny in the past. The whole experience made my bunny angry and made my chinnie fustrated! I learned my lesson!

[dawn]

Its hard enough to get two chinchillas to get along yet alone another species.

[OnyxChins]

I remember reading a post like this before. Rabbits are much more powerful animals than chinchillas. When a rabbit is afraid or startled, they can kick VERY forcefully from their hind legs. I use to own rabbits so I know this from experience(they left tons of scratch marks). If the chin were to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, he could get kicked and chinchillas have very delicate bones.

Not to mention that rabbits can carry diseases that may not harm people or the rabbit itself, but could affect a chinchilla adversely.

I wouldn't recommend it..

[kframe9]

I didn't think it sounded like a great idea, was just wondering what everyone else thought of it. Thanks for the info!