Rabbits are highly social animals that suffer from solitary confinement, yet millions are kept alone without understanding their need for companionship.
Rabbit solitary housing is a widespread welfare problem arising from a fundamental misunderstanding of rabbit social needs. A rabbit kept alone in a hutch is not a low-maintenance pet — it is a social animal experiencing ongoing isolation stress. The solution is bonded companionship, ideally same-species pairing. The bonding process requires patience and appropriate introduction protocols, but the welfare payoff for both rabbits is significant and lasting. This is one of the most impactful changes a rabbit owner can make.