The reason why chickens and rabbits are not suitable for polyculture

In recent years, with the rapid growth of the rural aquaculture industry, many farmers have adopted a so-called "three-dimensional farming" approach. This involves building a rabbit house on top of a chicken coop, creating a stacked system where chickens are raised below and rabbits above. While this method may seem efficient in terms of space utilization, it actually brings about numerous negative consequences that can harm both animals and the overall productivity of the farm. First and foremost, this setup leads to severe air pollution. Since chickens are housed directly beneath the rabbit cages, the concentration of waste from both species becomes extremely high. This results in a significant increase in harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Poor ventilation and high humidity further worsen the conditions inside the coops. Under these unhealthy environments, chickens are more prone to respiratory issues, their growth is stunted, and egg production drops dramatically. The mortality rate also rises. Similarly, rabbits suffer from poor living conditions—growth slows down, fur quality declines, and overall performance deteriorates. Another major issue is the increased risk of disease transmission. Chickens and rabbits are susceptible to similar infections, including pasteurellosis, salmonellosis, and coccidiosis. If one group gets sick, it's highly likely that the other will follow, leading to widespread illness and losses. The close proximity makes it easier for pathogens to spread, which can be difficult to control once an outbreak occurs. Additionally, the two species have very different behaviors and habits. Rabbits are nocturnal, preferring to rest during the day and be active at night. In contrast, chickens are diurnal, active during the day and resting at night. This mismatch causes constant disturbance between the two. Chickens, especially hens, tend to make loud noises when laying eggs or when roosters crow, which can startle the rabbits. Such stress can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths in rabbits, significantly affecting their reproduction rates. Given these serious drawbacks, it is strongly recommended that chickens and rabbits should not be raised in the same area, even if they share the same feeding zone. They should be kept in separate enclosures to minimize health risks and improve animal welfare. The floor level of the rabbit house should be higher to ensure proper drainage, and the stocking density must be carefully managed. By following these practices, farmers can maintain better hygiene, reduce disease outbreaks, and ultimately achieve higher economic returns.

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