Rabbits are the third most popular pet in many countries yet remain poorly understood, with inadequate housing being a primary welfare concern. Minimum space requirements are often insufficient for these active animals.
The mismatch between typical rabbit housing and rabbit behavioral needs represents one of the most common companion animal welfare failures in Western countries. Rabbits kept in small cages cannot run, jump, or perform the locomotor behaviors essential to their physical and mental health. The result is often chronic stress, skeletal problems from limited movement, and behavioral abnormalities. A welfare-centered approach to rabbit keeping starts with appropriately sized accommodation that allows a binky (joyful running jump), provides hiding places and elevated platforms, enables pair or group housing with compatible companions, and offers daily opportunities for additional free-range exercise in safe environments.