Rabbits are the UK's third most popular pet but are often among the most poorly housed. Understanding their complex needs transforms how we care for these intelligent, social animals.
Small, barren hutches cause chronic suffering for rabbits. Without space to run and binky, rabbits develop spinal deformities from chronic crouching. Social isolation causes depression-like states measurable in behaviour. Fear of handling is common and causes acute stress at each interaction. Cold or damp hutches compromise immune function. The welfare gap between typical rabbit housing and what rabbits need is larger than for almost any other common pet. Rabbits experience genuine psychological suffering from boredom, loneliness, and fear — not merely physical discomfort from poor housing.