Rabbits are highly social animals that suffer when kept alone. Bonded pairs or small groups provide essential companionship, but bonding requires careful management.
A solo rabbit is a lonely rabbit. Rabbits in the wild have extensive social networks and engage in mutual grooming, playing, and resting together. The absence of companionship in solitary pet rabbits causes chronic boredom and stereotypic behaviour. Many rabbits are kept in inadequate hutches without space or social contact. The PDSA PAW report consistently finds rabbits kept in conditions far below their welfare needs. Bonding rabbits requires patience and skill but dramatically improves welfare.