Rabbit meat production involves significant welfare concerns that receive little public attention compared to other farmed species.
Rabbits in conventional wire battery cages cannot perform fundamental behavioral needs including jumping, burrowing, and rearing up to full height. The wire flooring causes foot injuries (pododermatitis) and prevents natural exploration. Rabbits in these systems exhibit fear responses and stereotypic behaviors indicating poor welfare. The public visibility of rabbit welfare issues is low compared to chickens or pigs, meaning there has been less consumer or regulatory pressure for improvement. Colony systems with enrichment represent a meaningful welfare improvement but require higher management skill to prevent disease spread and social conflict.