25/09/2025
At Amy's Bunny Barn Society, we are committed to providing the highest standards of care for our rabbits while ensuring that they are placed in loving, well-prepared adoptive homes. We share our knowledge in hopes that it will have a positive impact on how people care for their rabbits.
A common issue we see is lack of appropriate housing. This is due to lack of education, pet stores, breeders, rescues with lower standards, information found on the internet, outdated information or how we have seen our parents or peers treat animals.
Although free roaming is becoming more common many companion bunnies are still spending the majority of time confined to some type of enclosure.
Here are some reasons why tiny cages are considered inhumane:
🐰 Space for Exercise and Mental Stimulation.
- Rabbits need space to hop, run, play, any relax: Naturally, rabbits are active and social animals that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Tiny cages severely limit their ability to exercise, which can lead to physical and psychological issues.
- Lack of mental stimulation: Without enough space, rabbits become bored and stressed, which can result in destructive behaviors, depression, and even aggression. They need space for toys, hiding spots, and enrichment activities.
🐰 Physical Health Concerns
- Muscle Atrophy: Tiny cages prevent rabbits from stretching their bodies, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Without the ability to move freely, their muscles can waste away, which impacts overall health and mobility.
- Skeletal Issues: Rabbits have delicate spines and bones. A lack of space to move around can lead to skeletal deformities, joint problems, and even fractures.
- Obesity: Rabbits are prone to obesity if they don’t get enough exercise. Tiny cages limit their movement, contributing to weight gain and associated health problems like heart disease and digestive issues.
🐰 Behavioral Needs
- Natural behaviors are restricted: Rabbits are naturally curious and social animals. Tiny cages prevent them from displaying their natural behaviors, such as burrowing, exploring, or socializing with other rabbits.
- Stress and Anxiety: Confined spaces can cause chronic stress in rabbits, leading to anxiety, depression, and harmful behaviors like fur-pulling or cage-biting.
🐰 Lack of Proper Sanitation
- Unsanitary conditions: In small cages, rabbits are often forced to sit in their own waste, leading to skin conditions like urine scald and infections. Rabbits are naturally clean animals and need space to separate their living and bathroom areas.
🐰 Social Interaction and Bonding
- Limited interaction: Rabbits are social animals that benefit from interaction with humans and other rabbits. Being confined in a tiny cage can lead to isolation, making it harder for them to bond with others and receive the companionship they need.
🐰 Psychological Impact
- Cage Aggression: Rabbits kept in confined spaces can become territorial and aggressive due to frustration and stress. This aggression often stems from feeling trapped or threatened.
- Depression: A lack of freedom and stimulation in a small space can cause rabbits to become lethargic, withdrawn, and depressed. Over time, this can affect their appetite and overall health.
🐰 Environmental Needs
- Temperature regulation: Rabbits are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Tiny cages may not provide the proper ventilation or ability for them to escape from harsh conditions like direct sunlight or cold drafts.
Some of the many reasons why tiny cages are inhumane. They fail to meet the basic physical, behavioral, and psychological needs of rabbits. Appropriate housing ensures that rabbits can lead healthy, enriched lives, with the ability to express their natural behaviors. We will never lower our standards of care and will always advocate for the best care practices for rabbits in and out of our care.
Please visit our website for more information on how to suitable house a bunny.
https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/housing
