Rabbits are highly social animals that require companionship of their own species. Understanding rabbit social needs and bonding processes is essential for providing welfare-positive rabbit keeping.
The social needs of rabbits are among the most systematically underappreciated welfare issues in companion animal keeping. Rabbits kept alone in cages without appropriate social contact are experiencing significant welfare deprivation - they are social animals denied their primary source of comfort, stimulation, and security. Even rabbits that seem 'fine' alone would benefit greatly from appropriate rabbit company. The bonding process, while requiring time and patience, results in dramatically improved welfare for both rabbits. The investment in a properly bonded pair pays dividends in happier, more active, more behaviorally normal animals. Rabbit welfare organizations now routinely recommend only bonded pair or group adoption rather than single rabbit keeping.