Inventory of the behaviour of New Zealand white rabbits in laboratory cages (1995)

Gunn, D., Morton, D. B.

Abstract

Detailed ethogram of singly caged rabbits. The level of mobility (1.2%) reflected their inability to hop normally and, in addition, they were unable to sit up, rear fully or stretch out because of spatial restriction. All rabbits showed stereotyped activities (11%). .. Pulling the fur out was seldom observed .. but when it did occur, the rabbit sometimes consumed it. .. Any gregarious animal chronically housed in isolation should be considered abnormal. ... This work provides us with a basic knowledge of the behaviour of the caged rabbit and enables investigations into the improvement of such housing condition by comparison with other innovative housing alternatives.