Wire-floor pens as an alternative to metallic cages in fattening rabbits: Influence on some welfare traits (2001)

Martrenchar, A., Boilletot, E., Cotte, J.-P. et al.

Abstract

Penned rabbits spent more time lying down and, from the frequency of scratches on their ears, we may infer that crowding is less important than in cages. The total time spent in locomotion was unchanged but the way they moved was modified. In pens, despite the unchanged stocking density [15 rabbits per m2], the larger floor space allowed rabbits to perform more successive hops. In the absence of a ceiling, the upright posture of 'watcher', was observed more frequently in pens with a ceiling 30 cm high. .. Housing in pens tended to improve bone hardness.