Traditional rabbit hutches are widely recognized as inadequate. Converting to larger, enriched indoor or outdoor housing dramatically improves rabbit welfare outcomes.
The welfare impact of inadequate housing for rabbits is profound and well-documented. Rabbits in small hutches cannot perform natural locomotion, have impaired opportunities for social interaction, and experience boredom and frustration. Muscle atrophy and spondylosis (spinal degeneration) are common in rabbits that cannot exercise adequately. The mental health consequences of barren, restrictive environments in these intelligent social animals include depression-like states and learned helplessness. Converting to appropriate housing transforms welfare outcomes and longevity.