Farmed rabbits are one of the least regulated and most welfare-compromised livestock species. Understanding their needs drives advocacy for meaningful improvement in this overlooked industry.
Farmed rabbit welfare is severely compromised in conventional production systems. Wire battery cages prevent jumping, turning, and normal postural needs. The inability to perform natural locomotion is a significant welfare cost for an animal evolved for rapid movement across open terrain. Social isolation in individual cages denies social behavior that rabbits show strong motivation to engage in. Enriched housing systems that allow pairs or groups, provide raised platforms, and use solid or padded flooring dramatically improve welfare outcomes. Consumer awareness of rabbit farming conditions is low compared to poultry, making education an important component of advocacy for this species.