The choice of indoor or outdoor rabbit housing has significant welfare implications depending on how each is set up.
The debate about indoor versus outdoor rabbit housing misses the fundamental point — either can provide adequate welfare and either can provide inadequate welfare depending on how it is set up. Traditional outdoor hutch housing is frequently welfare-inadequate because hutches are too small, too cold, and too isolated. Well-designed outdoor enclosures with large runs and weatherproof sleeping areas can provide excellent welfare. Indoor housing with space, companionship, and exercise opportunities provides excellent welfare. Size, companionship, and management quality matter more than location.