Environmental Enrichment

Socialization of Dutch Belted Rabbits for Use in Research

This program includes adaptation to common handling procedures, environmental enrichment devices, and othe materials encountered in the laboratory. .. At seven weeks of age, the rabbits are paired with a partner for two weeks.

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Handling, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Pritt, S., Wood, J., Fetter, B. et al. 2008. Socialization of Dutch Belted Rabbits for Use in Research. Tech Talk [The Newsletter for Laboratory Animal Science Technicians] 13(4), 1-3.

Behaviour of growing rabbits under various housing conditions

The aim of this research was to assess the effects of environmental variables (group size, stocking density, floor type, environmental enrichment) on behaviour as a welfare indicator of growing rabbits. Two experiments were carried out with Pannon White rabbits. In...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Social Housing & Companionship, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Princz, Z., Dalle Zotte, A., Radnai, I. et al. 2008. Behaviour of growing rabbits under various housing conditions. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 111(3-4), 342-356.

Making a Home for Prairie Dogs through Environmental Enrichment

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Other Rodent, Rodent

Citation: Presa, M. F. 2008. Making a Home for Prairie Dogs through Environmental Enrichment. The Shape of Enrichment 17(3), no page numbers.

The effect of pen size and an enrichment structure (elevated platform) on the performances and behaviour of fattenting rabbits

The use of the platform appears to depend upon the amount of space available; in a large pen, an elevated platform can be utilised as an exercise structure while in a small pen it was used more as simply extra...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Postollec, G., Boilletot, E., Maurice, R. et al. 2008. The effecto of pen size and an enrichment structure (elevated platform) on the performances and behaviour of fattenting rabbits. Animal Welfare 17, 53-59.

Double-mouse perch designed as an enrichment and life-saving device

This device [suspended from wire grid] is a well-used form of enrichment and an effective life-saving platform during accidental cage flooding.

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Phillips, K. A., King, G., Ibanez, A. et al. 2008. Double-mouse perch designed as an enrichment and life-saving device. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 95-96 (Abstract).

A brief note on the effects of novel enrichment on an unwanted behaviour of captive bonobos

Animals in captivity may show undesirable behaviour when they are not sufficiently challenged, making it essential for their well-being to provide daily enrichment to zoo animals. Primates need a regular replacement with novel enrichment objects to prevent them from getting...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Csatádi, K., Leus, K., Pereboom, J. J. M. 2008. A brief note on the effects of novel enrichment on an unwanted behaviour of captive bonobos. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 112(1-2), 201-204.

Assessment of environmental enrichment for zebrafish in a re-circulating system

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Yates, D., Wilson, C. 2008. Assessment of environmental enrichment for zebrafish in a re-circulating system. Animal Technology and Welfare 7(2), 85-86.

The effect of feeding enrichment toys on the behaviour of kennelled dogs (Canis familiaris)

The behaviour of eight laboratory dogs (Toy group) was observed in their home cage during three trials (pre-toy, toy interaction and post-toy). During the toy interaction trial, the animals received the "Kong extreme"; a rubber dog toy stuffed with dog...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Schipper, L. L., Vinke, C. M., Schilder, M. B. H. et al. 2008. The effect of feeding enrichment toys on the behaviour of kennelled dogs (Canis familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 114, 182-195.

Enriching the matabolic cage: effects on rat physiology and behaviour

Metabolic cages are used for housing rats and mice for up to five days for collection of urine and/or faeces. The small, barren area of the metabolic cage compromises animal welfare as the animals lack a solid floor, shelter, nest...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Sorensen, D. B., Mortensen, K., Bertelsen, T. et al. 2008. Enriching the matabolic cage: effects on rat physiology and behaviour. Animal Welfare 17, 395-403.

Ice-timed feeders to promote foraging

For many animals in nature, foraging is simply a matter of traveling and discovering available food. It provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation, often consuming much of an animal's time. Replicating this in a small, enclosed space is one...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Lemur, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Dunkel, A. 2008. Ice-timed feeders to promote foraging. Shape of Enrichment 17(3), 12-13.