The behaviour of group penned and individually caged laboratory rabbits (1991)

Poderscek, A. L., Blackshaw, J. K., Beattie, A. W.

Abstract

Only caged rabbits showed stereotypic behaviours and only penned [females plus castrated males] rabbits showed aggression. Penned [group-housed] rabbits also exhibited higher frequencies of comfort and marking and investigatory behaviours. Penned housing systems are more acceptable than cage systems as they allow the rabbits to socialise and hop fully. The negative aspects of pens are the levels of aggression and the high frequency of scratching, sneezing and head shaking observed.