The welfare benefits and management of bonded pairs in pet rabbit keeping.
Rabbit welfare science is unambiguous about the importance of social companionship - solitary housing causes measurable physiological and psychological stress that bonded housing prevents. Despite this clarity, millions of pet rabbits are kept alone due to concerns about introduction difficulty, additional cost, and misunderstanding of rabbit social needs. Well-bonded rabbit pairs spend significantly more time active and exploring, show reduced stereotypic behaviors, and demonstrate clear preference for each other's company. The bonding process, while requiring patience and careful management, is reliably achievable and transforms welfare for both animals involved.