Hundreds of millions of rabbits are farmed annually, primarily in Europe and Asia, in barren wire cages that prevent all natural behaviours. Welfare science reveals the profound costs of this confinement.
The welfare of farmed rabbits in conventional systems is severely compromised. Wire cage flooring causes painful sore hocks requiring veterinary treatment. The total prevention of burrowing, social interaction, and movement beyond a few body lengths represents profound frustration of fundamental natural needs. Chronic stress manifests in stereotypic behaviours including bar-gnawing and circling. Young rabbits removed from mothers too early show impaired immune function and higher mortality. Group housing systems allowing social contact, movement, and substrate for digging represent a significant welfare improvement and are technically and economically feasible. Consumer awareness of rabbit farming conditions remains far lower than for chickens or pigs.