Help with my Dissertation on rabbit housing and welfare

[Helen E]

My name is Helen Emerton and i am currently studying my BSc in Animal Management and welfare. For my dissertation i have chosen to studying whether the public’s opinion about rabbit housing is adequate enough to provide correct animal welfare. In order to do this i have created a short questionnaire which will only take a few minutes to fill in and i am hoping some of you will be willing to do this for me. You are welcome to send it via private message or this thread.

Many Thanks for your help

Questionnaire Rabbit Enclosures and their Welfare

I am conducting a survey into the size and structure of the UKs domestic Rabbit housing and what impact it may have on the welfare of the rabbit. Please take 10 minutes of your time to answer the questions in order to help me in my study and help improve the welfare of the UKs domestic rabbit population.




1. Do you currently own a rabbit or do you want to purchase one in the near future? Yes/No

2. How long have you owned Rabbits for?

3. What breed of Rabbit do you own or you are looking to own?

4. Is your rabbit housed singly or in a group?

5. Is your Rabbit housed inside or outside? Inside Outside

6. Are there any children in your household? Yes/No

7. Did you seek any advice on housing before purchasing your Rabbit? Yes/No

If yes was it a: Veterinary professional Friend or relative
Pet shop Assistant Websites
Books/Journals Any other please state



Your Enclosure
8. Approximately how big is your rabbits enclosure(Meters) m X m X m

9. Do they have an outdoor run? YES/ NO
If yes how big is the run (Meters) m X mX m

10. What type of enclosure is it? Wooden wire Plastic

11. Is your enclosure shop brought or homemade? Shop Brought Homemade


12. What type of bedding do you use?

13. How often do you interact with your rabbit? Once a day >once a day
Alternative days Twice a week
< twice a week

14. Do you provide enrichment for your Rabbit? Yes/ No
If yes what enrichment do you use?

How often do you change the enrichment?


The wild rabbit
15. In the wild do rabbits live: In colonies Alone In Pairs

16. In the Wild do rabbits sleep: In burrows In trees under bushes

17. Rabbits are: Predators Prey

18. Approximately how far do rabbits roam in a day in the wild?



19. On a scale of 1 – 10 with 1 being very little knowledge and 10 being a lot of knowledge how would you rate your knowledge of the rabbit’s natural behaviors in the wild? Please circle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 

[Plymothian_Sophie]

1. Yes
2. Approx 4 months
3. Mini Lop
4. Singly (at the moment anyway)
5. Inside
6. No
7. Yes - I spoke to a vet regarding the vet bills etc, rang an insurance company to ask for advice regarding insurance and spoke to a few breeders regarding health and welfare etc.
8. Currently 3 x 2 x 2 (in foot sorry don't know what that is in metres) but I ordered an xpen today which will make is 6 x 2 x 3 (also in foot)
9. Not yet as I got her over winter and weather in UK is crap but I will be getting a 6 x 6 x 3 foot run
10. Metal bars
11. Shop bought, but customised
12. She is currently on straw
13. 2/3 times per day
14. Yes. I often fill cardboard boxes with straw and hay and hide fruit in it, she also has a large waffle ball which I pack with treats. She also has lots of toys. I rotate every 2/3 days.
15. In large, extended family groups
16. Burrows
17. Prey
18. 400 metres I remember reading a while back
19. 10

 

[Plymothian_Sophie]

Hope I help

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

1. Do you currently own a rabbit or do you want to purchase one in the near future? Yes

2. How long have you owned Rabbits for? 8 years

3. What breed of Rabbit do you own or you are looking to own? Lionheads, Tans, Rhinelander, English Angora, Jersey Wooly, and a mixed breed.

4. Is your rabbit housed singly or in a group? 1 bonded pair, then rest are single.

5. Is your Rabbit housed inside or outside? Inside

6. Are there any children in your household? No
7. Did you seek any advice on housing before purchasing your Rabbit?
Yes
If yes was it a: Mostly websites and some books.



Your Enclosure
8. Approximately how big is your rabbits enclosure(Meters) 0.7 X 1.4 X 0.7

9. Do they have an outdoor run? No, but sometimes get outside in the summer.
If yes how big is the run (Meters) m X mX m

10. What type of enclosure is it? NIC Cages

11. Is your enclosure shop brought or homemade? Homemade


12. What type of bedding do you use? Fleece

13. How often do you interact with your rabbit? Once a day

14. Do you provide enrichment for your Rabbit? Yes
If yes what enrichment do you use? Toys, boxes, agility

How often do you change the enrichment?


The wild rabbit
15. In the wild do rabbits live: In colonies

16. In the Wild do rabbits sleep: In burrows
17. Rabbits are: Prey

18. Approximately how far do rabbits roam in a day in the wild? Don't know



19. On a scale of 1 – 10 with 1 being very little knowledge and 10 being a lot of knowledge how would you rate your knowledge of the rabbit’s natural behaviors in the wild? Please circle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 

[MustNotBuyMore]

1. Do you currently own a rabbit or do you want to purchase one in the near future? Yes

2. How long have you owned Rabbits for? 2 years

3. What breed of Rabbit do you own or you are looking to own? French Lops and Netherland Dwarfs

4. Is your rabbit housed singly or in a group? All does live together with their litters. Bucks are housed separately.

5. Is your Rabbit housed inside or outside? Outside

6. Are there any children in your household? Yes

7. Did you seek any advice on housing before purchasing your Rabbit? No



Your Enclosure
8. Approximately how big is your rabbits enclosure(Meters) 3x3x5

9. Do they have an outdoor run? Yes
If yes how big is the run (Meters) 3x3x3

10. What type of enclosure is it? Wooden

11. Is your enclosure shop brought or homemade? Homemade


12. What type of bedding do you use? Pine Chips

13. How often do you interact with your rabbit? Several times daily

14. Do you provide enrichment for your Rabbit? Yes
If yes what enrichment do you use? hay, wooden boxes, twig toys, etc.

How often do you change the enrichment? weekly


The wild rabbit
15. In the wild do rabbits live: Alone

16. In the Wild do rabbits sleep: In burrows

17. Rabbits are: Prey

18. Approximately how far do rabbits roam in a day in the wild? 200 yards away from the main burrow



19. On a scale of 1 &#8211; 10 with 1 being very little knowledge and 10 being a lot of knowledge how would you rate your knowledge of the rabbit&#8217;s natural behaviors in the wild? Please circle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 

[Kipcha]

1. Do you currently own a rabbit or do you want to purchase one in the near future? Yes/No

2. How long have you owned Rabbits for?
10 years

3. What breed of Rabbit do you own or you are looking to own?
I have had a variety of breeds, pretty much all of if you include the rescues that we have rehomed. Currently for my bunnies I have Dutch, Dutch x Lop, Holland Lop, Mini Lop, Belgian Hare x Tan, Belgian Hare, Canadian Plush Lop and one that I have no idea on.

4. Is your rabbit housed singly or in a group?
They live in single homes but in the same room as other bunnies, so kinda a group too.

5. Is your Rabbit housed inside or outside? Inside Outside

6. Are there any children in your household? Yes/No

7. Did you seek any advice on housing before purchasing your Rabbit? Yes/No

If yes was it a: Veterinary professional Friend or relative
Pet shop Assistant Websites
Books/Journals

Your Enclosure
8. Approximately how big is your rabbits enclosure(Meters) m X m X m
0.7 x 1.4 x 0.7

9. Do they have an outdoor run? YES/ NO Kinda
If yes how big is the run (Meters) m X mX m
They get out a few times during the summer with supervision. Don't know measurements but usually ranging between 1 x-pen and 6 connected x-pens.

10. What type of enclosure is it? Wooden wire Plastic
Just said, x-pen.

11. Is your enclosure shop brought or homemade? Shop Brought Homemade

12. What type of bedding do you use?
Blankets/Towels.

13. How often do you interact with your rabbit? Once a day >once a day
Alternative days Twice a week
< twice a week
All the time. My buns would kill me if it was only once a day lol.

14. Do you provide enrichment for your Rabbit? Yes/ No
If yes what enrichment do you use?
Agility, toys, affection, exploration, going outside, talking to them, playing

How often do you change the enrichment?
Any time they're out. We have lots of games.

The wild rabbit
15. In the wild do rabbits live: In colonies Alone In Pairs

16. In the Wild do rabbits sleep: In burrows In trees under bushes

17. Rabbits are: Predators Prey

18. Approximately how far do rabbits roam in a day in the wild?
However far they want. Farther if they travel by car.

19. On a scale of 1 &#8211; 10 with 1 being very little knowledge and 10 being a lot of knowledge how would you rate your knowledge of the rabbit&#8217;s natural behaviors in the wild? Please circle
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 

[whiskylollipop]

1. Do you currently own a rabbit or do you want to purchase one in the near future? Yes

2. How long have you owned Rabbits for? 1 year

3. What breed of Rabbit do you own or you are looking to own? Minilop

4. Is your rabbit housed singly or in a group? Pair

5. Is your Rabbit housed inside or outside? Inside

6. Are there any children in your household? Yes

7. Did you seek any advice on housing before purchasing your Rabbit? Yes

If yes was it a: Websites




Your Enclosure
8. Approximately how big is your rabbits enclosure(Meters) 2x1.5x1

9. Do they have an outdoor run? NO
If yes how big is the run (Meters) m X mX m

10. What type of enclosure is it? wire

11. Is your enclosure shop brought or homemade? Shop Brought


12. What type of bedding do you use? Puppy pee pads

13. How often do you interact with your rabbit? All day erryday

14. Do you provide enrichment for your Rabbit? Yes
If yes what enrichment do you use?
Toys, greens, fruit treats

How often do you change the enrichment?
Change toys every 2-3 weeks.
Change greens daily, but rotating within the same 5-6 types.
Treats given 3-4 times a week, whatever's available.

The wild rabbit
15. In the wild do rabbits live: In colonies

16. In the Wild do rabbits sleep: In burrows

17. Rabbits are: Prey

18. Approximately how far do rabbits roam in a day in the wild? Probably not far, I dunno



19. On a scale of 1 – 10 with 1 being very little knowledge and 10 being a lot of knowledge how would you rate your knowledge of the rabbit’s natural behaviors in the wild? Please circle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 

[rachaeeelanneee]

1. Yes

2. A few months

3. Holland Lop

4. Singly

5. Inside

6. No

7. No

8. 53.4cmx76.2cm

9. No

10. Dog Kennel(plastic floor)

11. Shop bought

12. Small pet litter

13. Once a day-three times a day

14. No

15. In colonies

16. In burrows

17. Prey

18. 3-5miles

19. 6



Y

 

[woahlookitsme]

1. Do you currently own a rabbit or do you want to purchase one in the near future? Yes

2. How long have you owned Rabbits for? 6ys 5mos

3. What breed of Rabbit do you own or you are looking to own? Tan, Polish, Britannia Petite

4. Is your rabbit housed singly or in a group? Singly

5. Is your Rabbit housed inside or outside? Outside

6. Are there any children in your household? No

7. Did you seek any advice on housing before purchasing your Rabbit? Yes

If yes was it a: Other Breeders


Your Enclosure
8. Approximately how big is your rabbits enclosure(Meters): This Varies
Tans: 0.6 x 0.76
Polish does with babies: 0.6 x 0.6
Polish Bucks/babies: 0.45 x 0.45
Britannia Petite: 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.76 (two story)
9. Do they have an outdoor run? Not regularly
If yes how big is the run (Meters)

10. What type of enclosure is it? Wire

11. Is your enclosure shop brought or homemade? Bought


12. What type of bedding do you use? Wooden Pellets in Pans underneath wire floor

13. How often do you interact with your rabbit? On the weekends/holidays or when I come home from college

14. Do you provide enrichment for your Rabbit? Yes
If yes what enrichment do you use? Hanging toys, paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls with and without hay

How often do you change the enrichment? When they are chewed up - this varies


The wild rabbit
15. In the wild do rabbits live: In colonies

16. In the Wild do rabbits sleep: In burrows

17. Rabbits are: Prey

18. Approximately how far do rabbits roam in a day in the wild? Not sure



19. On a scale of 1 &#8211; 10 with 1 being very little knowledge and 10 being a lot of knowledge how would you rate your knowledge of the rabbit&#8217;s natural behaviors in the wild? Please circle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

One question you didnt ask was how many rabbits do you own? Was this a question of interest or not?

 

[Azerane]

1. Do you currently own a rabbit or do you want to purchase one in the near future? Yes

2. How long have you owned Rabbits for? For a total of approximately 7 years (spread over 10 years)

3. What breed of Rabbit do you own or you are looking to own? I have a Smoke Pearl

4. Is your rabbit housed singly or in a group? Singly

5. Is your Rabbit housed inside or outside? Inside Outside

6. Are there any children in your household? Yes/No

7. Did you seek any advice on housing before purchasing your Rabbit? Yes/No

If yes was it a: Veterinary professional Friend or relative
Pet shop Assistant Websites
Books/Journals Any other please state



Your Enclosure
8. Approximately how big is your rabbits enclosure(Meters) 2m (long) X 1.5m (wide) X 2m (high)

9. Do they have an outdoor run? YES/ NO
If yes how big is the run (Meters) 5m L X 3m W X 1m H

10. What type of enclosure is it? Wooden wire Plastic

11. Is your enclosure shop brought or homemade? Shop Bought Homemade


12. What type of bedding do you use? None

13. How often do you interact with your rabbit? Once a day >once a day
Alternative days Twice a week
< twice a week

14. Do you provide enrichment for your Rabbit? Yes/ No
If yes what enrichment do you use? Plastic baby toys (keys, stacking cups), toilet paper tubes, phone books, boxes, balls, treat ball

How often do you change the enrichment? Weekly


The wild rabbit
15. In the wild do rabbits live: In colonies Alone In Pairs

16. In the Wild do rabbits sleep: In burrows In trees under bushes

17. Rabbits are: Predators Prey

18. Approximately how far do rabbits roam in a day in the wild? Unsure, but not large distances I wouldn't think. Within 1km of a central point.



19. On a scale of 1 &#8211; 10 with 1 being very little knowledge and 10 being a lot of knowledge how would you rate your knowledge of the rabbit&#8217;s natural behaviors in the wild? Please circle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10