Environmental Enrichment

Effects of space allowance on the behaviour of long-term housed shelter dogs

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of space allowance (4.5 m(2)/head vs. 9 m(2)/head) on the behaviour of shelter dogs (Canis familiaris) at different times of the day (from 10:30 to 13:30 vs. from 14:30 to...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Normando, S., Contiero, B., Marchesini, G. et al. 2014. Effects of space allowance on the behaviour of long-term housed shelter dogs. Behavioural Processes 103, 306-314.

Sand pools as a novel enrichment for rabbits

For anyone who has housed rabbits in an artificial plastic environment, what to provide as a nonfood enrichment can be an issue. Nonfood enrichment, or environmental enrichment, can be any toy, engaging sights or sounds, or procedures that productively stimulate...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Disease/Experimental Model, Environmental Enrichment, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Nicholson, G., Sheldon, E. L., Hamilton, J. et al. 2014. Sand pools as a novel enrichment for rabbits. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 571. (Abstract #P83).

NHP wire biscuit feeder

This apparatus is used for single-housed baboons of all ages. The device is a wire suet feeder used for birds and squirrels. It can be purchased from Walmart, Home Depot, etc. There are many sizes and shapes, and the cost...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Baboon, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Stevens, T. 2014. NHP wire biscuit feeder. Enrichment Record Dec 2, 2014 (online publication).

Peanut butter/banana feeder

This device takes only a few minutes to make. 1. Start with a short piece of PVC pipe. 2. Drill a hole through both sides of the top and bottom. 3. Insert a stainless bolt with lock nut through top...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Schultz, P. 2014. Peanut butter/banana feeder. Enrichment Record Oct 16, 2014 (online publication).

Current understanding and use of environmental enrichment in China

In practice, consideration is given to providing most of the species used in research,testing and education withsome level of environmental enrichment. However, although the current level of awareness and understanding about the benefits of environmental enrichment appears similar across different...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: All/General, Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Dog, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Pig, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Qi, K., De-mi, S., Chuan, Q. 2014. Current understanding and use of environmental enrichment in China. Enrichment Record 20, 8-11.

Use of an aquarium as a novel enrichment item for singly housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Locomotor stereotypies are behaviors often seen in singly housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and are considered to represent a maladaptive response to captive environments. Active and passive enrichment items are commonly used to mitigate these and other abnormal behaviors. Active...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Meade, T. M., Hutchinson, E., Krall, C. et al. 2014. Use of an aquarium as a novel enrichment item for singly housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). JAALAS 53(5), 472-477.

Mirrors and stainless steel balls for macaques: A discussion

I received the steel balls from Bio-Serve a few days ago; WOW what an awesome toy for the macaques! They absolutely love playing with them. The individual in these photos is Eve, a young adult cyno. She carries the ball...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Hoffman, H., Green, J., Deutsch, J. et al. 2014. Mirrors and stainless steel balls for macaques: A discussion. Enrichment Record 19, 22-25.

Results of the GR8/RSPC – A global survey on effects of enrichment on data quality

I believe that in the future, failure to provide adequate enrichment and species appropriate housing for our research subjects will be viewed upon in the same way that the absence of a suitable program of veterinary care would be considered...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Hawkins, P. 2014. Results of the GR8/RSPC - A global survey on effects of enrichment on data quality. Enrichment Record 19, 5-13.

Using porches to decrease feces painting in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

The goal of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of a porch in decreasing feces painting in captive rhesus macaques. The porch is a small extension that is hung on the outside of a monkey's primary home cage. Porches...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Gottlieb, D. H., O'Connor, J. R., Coleman, K. 2014. Using porches to decrease feces painting in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). JAALAS 53(6), 653-656.

The use of lean management principles to enhance a nonhuman primate environmental enrichment program

Sewage back-up and overflows in the rooms of our primate facility initiated an analysis of the factors contributing to the clogging of the drains. An investigation reviewing the materials responsible for the clogging of the drains revealed that the use...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Monts de Oca, N., Diaz, L., McMahen, D. et al. 2014. The use of lean management principles to enhance a nonhuman primate environmental enrichment program. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 580-581. (Abstract #P122).