Rabbits are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during twilight hours. They have a natural propensity towards being nocturnal, and as such it would be more beneficial to keep them in a light-controlled environment that mimics their natural cycle of day and night.
In the wild, rabbits will spend up to 80% of their time in darkness. This is because they use their keen senses of smell and hearing to navigate their environment and avoid predators. By keeping rabbits in the dark, we can help to replicate their natural habitat and make them feel more comfortable.
There are a few exceptions to this rule; namely, pregnant or nursing rabbits, who need to be exposed to at least 12 hours of light daily in order to maintain a regular nursing schedule.
However, it is difficult for pet owners to determine when their rabbit is pregnant. For this reason, the safest option is to keep them in a controlled environment and only expose them to natural light for brief periods throughout the day (e.g. for feeding and exercise).