The Accommodation of Laboratory Animals in Accordance with Animal Welfare Requirements: Rabbits (1994)

Stauffacher, M., Bell, D. J., Schulz, K.-D. B. V. et al.

Abstract

Berlin Workshop' recommendations for the adequate housing of rabbits in the research laboratory setting address the following issues: (1) Should rabbits be maintained in pens or in cages. Housing laboratory rabbits in groups in floor pens is recommended as a good alternative to cage housing as long as the animals are socially compatible. (2) Should rabbits be kept in groups or individually? If grouped, what should be the group size? Individual housing in cages is the only practicable system for sexually-mature males (which are generally incompatible and for incompatible females. (3) What should be the minimum size of cages (Floor area and height)? Cages should allow adult rabbits to stretch at full length and the height should allow them to sit up straight. (4) What should be the minimum size of pens? What should be the minimum area per animal? (5) What construction and design of cages should be used? (6) What construction and design of the floors of the pens or cages should be used? (7) What structural division of the space should be available? (8) Should occupational or nesting material ( Enrichment ) be supplied? (9) Is bedding necessary? If so, of what quality? (10) Does the described housing system provide rabbits with the opportunity of taking sufficient exercise? Minimum cage dimensions should allow the rabbit to perform at least 2-3 hopping steps.