Rabbits are social animals with complex needs that make traditional small hutch housing a welfare concern.
Companion rabbit welfare is frequently compromised by misconceptions about their needs. Rabbits are not low-maintenance animals that thrive in small cages — they are active, social, complex animals that need space to run, jump, and express natural behaviors. Small hutch housing restricts locomotion to the point where some rabbits develop spinal problems from chronic crouching. Social isolation causes behavioral abnormalities. Evidence-based housing standards — adopted by major welfare organizations — recommend substantially more space and social companionship than most rabbits currently receive.