Article 20 Characteristics of and technical requirements for indoor and outdoor areas

its height is sufficient to allow all rabbits to stand with ears erect;

it can accommodate different groups of rabbits and allow the preservation of the broods’ integrity upon transfer to the fattening phase;

it is possible for bucks and pregnant and reproductive does to be separated from the group for specific animal welfare reasons and for a limited period provided they can keep eye contact with other rabbits;

it is possible for the doe to move away from the nest and return in the nest for nursing the kits;

it provides:

1. (i)

   covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all categories of rabbits;

2. (ii)

   access to nests for all does at least one week before the expected date of birth and at least till the end of the nursing period of the kits;

3. (iii)

   access to nests for kits in sufficient number with a minimum of one nest per nursing doe with kits;

4. (iv)

   materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.

it has raised platforms in sufficient number and evenly distributed on its minimum surface;

it is surrounded by fences that are high and deep enough to prevent flight either by jumping or digging;

if it has a concrete outside area, there is an easy access to the part of the outdoor run with vegetation. Without such easy access, the surface of the concrete area may not be included in the calculation of the minimum surface of the outdoor area;

it provides:

1. (i)

   covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all categories of rabbits;

2. (ii)

   materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.