Rabbits are highly social animals who suffer significantly from solitary housing, and properly bonded rabbit pairs show dramatically better welfare outcomes than singles.
Rabbit welfare has historically been poorly understood. Rabbits were sold as low-maintenance solitary pets when they are in fact social animals with complex needs. A lone rabbit in a small hutch — the traditional rabbit-keeping model — represents a profound welfare failure. Modern rabbit welfare standards recommend neutered pairs as a minimum, with adequate indoor or outdoor space for running, jumping, and playing. Bonding two rabbits requires patience and a proper introduction protocol but results in dramatically improved welfare for both animals.