Refinements in rabbit husbandry: Second report of the BVAAWF/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW [British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation/Fund for the Replacement of Animal in Medical Research/Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals/Universities Federation for Animal Welfare] Joint Working Group on Refinement (1993)

Morton, D. B., Jennings, M., Batchelor, G. R. et al.

Abstract

Very useful recommendations for and review of species-appropriate housing and handling of rabbits. The aims of this report is to identify the needs of domesticated rabbits and to present information on ways in which the current system of housing rabbits can be improved. ... In general, animals for group housing should be of the same sex, of similar size and, if possible, related and grouped when young. ... It is always important to provide refuges and hiding places for subordinate animals. The frequency of stereotyped behavior is substantially less in group-housed than in single-caged rabbits. Whatever their weight or age we recommend rabbits kept in groups have a clear area of around 20000 sq. cm in each pen to ensure that they are provided with space for activities such as hopping. Article includes a comprehensive and clear, descriptive ethogram [without photos] of rabbits.