Indoor pen systems

Large indoor pen systems for growing rabbits have been developed in France as a higher welfare alternative to park systems.

Larger groups of rabbits are housed in open pens which provide more available space for the rabbits to lie stretched out, to move around, play, and hop and to stand on their hind legs.

Plastic slatted flooring supports movement and comfort, while platforms maximise the available space. The larger available space allows for better separation of functional areas and the possibility to provide a more complex environment – hiding places can vary from PVC tubes to larger artificial burrows capable of allowing many animals to rest in a darkened environment; gnawing material can include wooden blocks, compressed forage blocks, or even racks of straw/hay. Some indoor pen housing for meat rabbits offers solid flooring and bedding material on the floor, while others provide access to a wintergarden or outdoor climate area so that the rabbits can benefit from natural light and fresh air and a choice between indoor and outdoor areas.

The development of indoor pen systems in Europe is also influencing production in China (the world’s largest producer of rabbits) as more European companies see the benefits of higher welfare production. Leading German wholesaler BreFood has worked with its suppliers in China to introduce a system that meets the indoor rabbit pen housing standards that are certified by NGO Four Paws, as well as an indoor pen system with access to a wintergarden.

Despite several trials that have been undertaken to introduce group pens for breeding does, group housing of does is only practiced in some very small-scale production. Further research and industry trials are needed to develop an optimal system which allows them the benefits of social contact and more space, whilst preventing major aggression.

Outdoor systems

Higher welfare alternatives