Rabbits kept outdoors face specific welfare challenges, but well-designed outdoor environments can provide the space and stimulation that dramatically improves rabbit wellbeing.
Outdoor rabbit keeping can provide excellent welfare if environments are designed thoughtfully, but carries specific risks that require active management. Predation pressure is constant — even rabbits that are never directly attacked experience chronic stress from predator presence that elevates cortisol and reduces positive welfare indicators. Flystrike during summer can kill a rabbit within 24 hours. But well-designed, predator-proof enclosures with dig areas, shelter, tunnels and foraging opportunities provide welfare outcomes that match or exceed those of indoor rabbits with limited exercise. The quality of the outdoor environment is determinative — not the outdoor location per se.