Traditional small rabbit hutches fail to meet rabbit welfare needs. Modern welfare standards require much larger, complex environments for rabbit psychological and physical health.
Traditional small rabbit hutches cause welfare harm through restriction of natural locomotion. Rabbits are cursorial animals that evolved to run, jump, and explore over significant distances. Hutches that prevent full body extension or hopping cause muscle weakness, bone fragility, and behavioral frustration expressed as stereotypic behaviors. Modern welfare guidelines require minimum housing footprints 10-20 times larger than traditional hutches. House rabbits, given appropriate freedom in rabbit-proofed rooms, can achieve excellent welfare through natural movement and social interaction. The welfare transformation in rabbit housing is one of the most achievable improvements in companion animal care.