Avoid Overcrowding

Provide each adult rabbit a minimum of 0.65 square meters (roughly 7 sq ft) of floor space per the ARBA guidelines. Growing kits in group pens need at least 0.09 square meters each. Separate aggressive individuals promptly and never exceed the cage's rated capacity.

Why It Works

Overcrowding raises stress hormones, suppresses immune function, and makes sanitation nearly impossible to maintain. When rabbits are packed tightly, one sick animal can transmit coccidia, Pasteurella, or respiratory viruses to the entire group within days. Adequate space also reduces bite wounds that become infection entry points.

Tips

• Reassess stocking density every time a new litter reaches weaning age
• Colony setups require more square footage per rabbit than individual cages due to social stress
• Cull or rehome surplus stock rather than cramming extra rabbits into existing cages