Science-Backed Rabbit Care:
Research Library

The research behind our methods.

We didn't just wake up one day and decide we were rabbit experts (we still aren’t, but we’re learning!). Everything we do at Bun Chia Burrow—from our bonding protocols to our housing recommendations—is backed by peer-reviewed research. SD (our resident behavioral science nerd) graduated from UC Irvine with a biology degree and spent 10+ years managing clinical research, so naturally, we read a lot of rabbit studies.

This page is our way of sharing that knowledge with you. Whether you're curious about the science behind rabbit bonding, want to understand why enrichment matters, or just love diving into research like we do, these peer-reviewed articles will give you the evidence-based foundation for better rabbit care.

These are the same articles we use to design our Bonding Retreat program, inform our consultation advice, and advocate for proper rabbit welfare. We're not gatekeeping the science—we want you to have access to it too.

NOTE: all articles are listed alphabetically.

How to Use This Research:

  • New to rabbit care? Start with "Common Rabbit Behaviors" and "Social Nature of Rabbits"

  • Considering bonding? Read "Common Bonding Strategies" and "Why You May Want More than One Rabbit"

  • Designing your rabbit space? Check out "Why Rabbits Need Space" and "Why Rabbits Need Enrichment"

  • Deep diving into our Retreat methods? Read everything under "Foundational Bonding Research"

All articles are hosted on Google Drive and free to access. We encourage you to read, share, and discuss these resources with your vet, fellow rabbit parents, or rescue volunteers.

Peer-Reviewed Articles on Rabbit Care + Enrichment

Why space and enrichment are essential for rabbit welfare


Dissertation: Rabbit Overview
History: Lab Rabbit Welfare
History: Spatial Awareness due to Habitat Constrictions
Why Rabbits Need Enrichment
Why Rabbits Need Space

+ more articles to come!

Want help applying this research to your rabbit?
Book a consultation to discuss evidence-based care strategies for your specific situation. We translate science into practical, actionable advice for your home.

Questions about our bonding methods?
All of our Bonding Retreat protocols are based on the research in this library.
Learn more about our science-based approach →