Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Several previous studies have shown that the way many rabbits are kept negatively affects their welfare. They are often kept in an environment where the rabbits' ability to perform their natural behaviours is limited. Rabbits that are unable to express their natural behaviours can develop behavioural problems. The aim of this study was to examine the housing conditions of rabbits, the occurrence of behavioural problems and rabbit owners' knowledge about behavioural problems. To do this, a survey was designed and distributed to rabbit owners.
The results indicated that 38% of the rabbits were kept alone. Most rabbit owners provided hiding places, gnawing materials, and elevated resting spots for their rabbits, but only 79% offered opportunities for digging. Many owners kept their rabbits in large areas, which differs from previous studies where it has been shown that many rabbits are kept in small enclosures. The results also showed that there were some rabbits that exhibited various behavioural problems. The most common behavioural problem was that rabbits were digging in inappropriate places, which could be linked to the lack of other digging opportunities. Less common behavioural problems included aggression, unsociability, and fear of humans, but there were a few rabbits showing these behaviours as well. Knowledge of behavioural problems was limited, there were respondents who seemed to know the causes of behavioural problems, but overall, knowledge could be improved. An area that could be improved is the importance of providing appropriate resources to allow rabbits to express their natural behaviours, which could prevent the development of behavioural problems. Future research is necessary to prevent behavioural problems in rabbits. By spreading knowledge to rabbit owners, we can improve rabbit housing and increase their well-being.