Rabbits are social animals that benefit from living in compatible pairs or small groups, rather than in isolation.
Rabbit welfare is significantly improved by appropriate social housing. Solitary rabbits in conventional hutches represent one of the most widespread and underacknowledged welfare failures in companion animal keeping. Without social contact, rabbits cannot engage in natural behaviours including allogrooming and communal resting, and they lack the stimulus and security that group living provides. Bonding requires patience — rushed introductions result in serious injuries — but the welfare outcome of successful bonding is substantial. Rescue organisations increasingly bond rabbits before rehoming, recognising that bonded pairs have better welfare outcomes than single animals subsequently homed alone.