Chins and Bunnies

[Katie95]

Recently, my fiancé and I came across a rabbit that we were hoping to bring home. Long story short, the rabbit is not being given much attention where he currently is and the owners have agreed to sell him to us. We also have a chinchilla, Chester, who is 9 years old. Of course I was not planning to house them together (and can't believe there are people who do). I was hoping, actually, that I would be able to keep the rabbit out most of the time if we can litter train him.

The problem is that I have recently discovered that rabbits carry Pasteurella, which can be deadly to chinchillas. The two have been in the same area before for a short period of time with no problems, but if there is a chance that bringing the rabbit into my home will make Chester ill, I wou never dream of it! Does anyone have a bunny and a chin? Is it safe? My house (apartment) is small, so they would be in the same general area.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Amethyst]

Unless you know for sure that the rabbit doesn't have or carry pasteurella, which they can and show no symptoms of, then you are risking your chin having them even in the same room. It's not a simple test to find out either, and can come back a false negative, it's mentioned here. I know some people have gotten lucky and have/had chins and rabbits, myself included in the past, and never had an issue, but if the rabbit has ever had contact with another that has it then it can still carry it. Pasteurella is highly contagious and is airborne if the infected animal sneezes or coughs (which can happen from just simple dust or tickle in it's nose). You say they have been in the same area before with no issue, but did the rabbit sneeze at all during that time? It could be it doesn't carry it, or it could be that you got lucky. For example just because you are in the same room as someone with a cold doesn't mean you will get it, but give enough time together you will. Also stress (like moving to a new home) can weaken the immune system (which is keeping the bacteria in check) allowing the bacteria to multiply and cause an infection.

If you can't keep them in separate rooms, or prevent the rabbit from entering the room the chin is in I wouldn't chance it. You will also have to make sure you wash between handling the chin and the rabbit and the chin can't have playtime in the same area the rabbit has been in. Also just so you know rabbits aren't the only ones to carry it, cats and dogs can too, which is another reason people shouldn't allow their chins to play with other animals.

 

[Katie95]

Thank-you for your reply. As much as I don't want to leave the rabbit in a home where he is not loved, I don't want to risk my chinchilla's health. As far as your comment about other animals being carriers, I have never had a problem there (when we lived with my father he had a dog and a cat), but since my apartment only has two rooms, I will just have to hope that the bunny can find a loving home soon! Thanks!

 

[Amethyst]

Cats and dogs can carry that bacteria (among others) in their mouths, so a lick, scratch or bite (even a nip) could prove fatal. I meant it as in don't let them play together, (more a warning to anyone else reading this in the future) there are people that think it's fine to allow thinking it's cute and that their cat or dog would never harm the chin. They can live in the same house, I have dogs and cats myself, but don't allow direct contact, if my chins are out of their cage they are the only animals in the room with me.

 

[aroxim]

I have a rabbit and 2 chinchillas but they are kept completely separate. Their cages are in separate areas of the house and have separate play areas. So far I have had no issues with my animals. I've had my rabbit for 12 years and my chins for 1 year.