Pet rabbits are often kept in undersized hutches that prevent natural behaviors; understanding their space needs is essential for good welfare.
Rabbits are active, intelligent animals whose natural range spans many acres. Confinement in small hutches prevents expression of natural locomotor behaviors, causes muscle weakness from disuse, and leads to frustration-related stereotypies. Isolated rabbits suffer additionally from social deprivation. Proper housing with ample space, enrichment, and companion housing transforms rabbit welfare from one of the most commonly neglected companion animals.