Rabbits are highly active, social animals with specific behavioural needs that commercial farming systems often fail to meet adequately.
Commercial rabbit production has historically relied on barren wire battery cages that prevent virtually all natural behaviour. Rabbits in such systems show high rates of stereotypies (repetitive bar-chewing), fear responses, bone fragility from inactivity, and foot sores from wire floors. Welfare science clearly demonstrates that rabbits housed in enriched systems with gnawing materials, hiding places, elevated platforms, and same-sex social housing display substantially better welfare indicators. European regulatory trends are moving toward improved systems, but the majority of global production still uses barren cages. Consumer choices and retailer commitments drive faster change than regulation alone.