Farmed Rabbit Welfare: Housing Systems and Behavioral Needs

Farmed rabbits are commonly housed in wire cages that prevent natural behaviors, and welfare reform in rabbit production is advancing but unevenly across producing countries.

Key Facts

Around 1 billion rabbits are farmed globally each year, primarily in Europe and China
Conventional wire battery cages prevent rabbits from hopping, standing upright, or hiding
Rabbits have fragile spines that can fracture if they are startled in confined spaces
Park systems and enriched cages provide more space and allow some natural behaviors
The EU proposed a ban on conventional rabbit cages as part of its Farm to Fork strategy
Consumer demand for welfare-certified rabbit products is growing in Western Europe

Welfare Considerations

Farmed rabbit welfare is severely compromised in conventional wire cage systems. Rabbits are prey animals with strong behavioral motivations to hide, run, and explore. Wire cages frustrate all of these behaviors and prevent natural social interactions. The fragility of their spines means that sudden fright in a confined space can cause fatal injuries. Park housing systems that allow group housing on solid floors represent a significant improvement. Consumer pressure and regulatory reform are key drivers of transition away from wire cages.

What You Can Do

Choose rabbit products certified to higher welfare standards prohibiting wire battery cages
Ask retailers and restaurants about the housing systems used on farms they source rabbit from
Support EU and national legislation to ban conventional wire cages in rabbit farming
Consider plant-based alternatives to rabbit as a food choice given current welfare challenges