Handling

Establishing a predictable cue for catches to reduce reactivity to management events for captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Psychological duress can emerge from the perceived lack of predictability such that, in captive circumstances, reliable signals for aversive events can afford animals with the opportunity to behaviorally and physiologically prepare. Does a reliable and unique signal cue for an...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Handling, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Pritchard, A. J., Blersch, R. A., Nathman, A. C. et al. 2025. Establishing a predictable cue for catches to reduce reactivity to management events for captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 285, 106578.

Comparison of behavioural indicators of acute pain and stress during and after three methods of handling and restraint for pre-weaned beef calves

Pre-weaned beef calves in western Canada are processed at approximately 6–12 weeks of age, when they are individually handled and restrained to conduct various husbandry procedures. Best practice recommendations for safeguarding animal welfare during husbandry procedures suggest using calm, quiet...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Handling, RestraintAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Arkangel, L., Windeyer, M. C., Goldhawk, C. et al. 2025. Comparison of behavioural indicators of acute pain and stress during and after three methods of handling and restraint for pre-weaned beef calves. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 286, 106623.

Does the regular husbandry handling method affect response to a novel handler (2024)

Aims: Aim 1: Investigate the effects of tube vs tail handing on ease of handling of mice by future experimenters. Aim 2: Investigate the effects of tube vs tail handling on anxiety in mice. Aim 3: Investigate where there are...

Year Published: 2024Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: McLaughlin, T., Langston, R., Dennison, N. 2024. Does the regular husbandry handling method affect response to a novel handler. Animal Technology and Welfare 23(3), 215–216.

Captive husbandry of the Bynoe’s gecko (Heteronotia binoei) (2025)

Covers topics such as health, housing, handling, diet and feeding

Year Published: 2025Topics: Handling, Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Lizard, Reptile

Citation: Martinic, G., Burns, K. 2025. Captive husbandry of the Bynoe's gecko (Heteronotia binoei). Animal Technology and Welfare 24(1), 39–43.

What are the most prevalent welfare issues for pet small mammals? (2025)

The welfare of pet small mammals is an understudied, but growing research topic in the UK and Europe. We surveyed European veterinary experts who each rated severity and prevalence of a large number of issues in the eight most common...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Handling, HousingAnimal Type: Guinea Pig, Hamster, Mouse, Other Rodent, Rabbit, Rodent

Citation: Fenton, L., Benato, L., Mancinelli, E. et al. 2025. What are the most prevalent welfare issues for pet small mammals? Animals 15(10), 1423.

Can a rabbit-human habituation programme reduce stress and aggressive behaviour? (2024)

To reduce handling induced stress and promote rabbit welfare we implemented a rabbit-human habituation programme at our breeding facility.

Year Published: 2024Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Esparza, K., Leal, A., Rabany, B. et al. 2024. Can a rabbit-human habituation programme reduce stress and aggressive behaviour? Animal Technology and Welfare 23(3), 197–200.

The welfare of farmed Nile tilapia: A review (2025)

Nile tilapia are, by absolute number of individuals, the most farmed species of fish today, yet we know little about how common husbandry practices impact their welfare. Despite their global importance, there is a notable lack of detailed, species-specific welfare...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Handling, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Fish, Tilapia

Citation: Emam, W., Lambert, H., Brown, C. 2025. The welfare of farmed Nile tilapia: A review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12.

Appropriate handling of pet rabbits: A literature review

Many rabbits show fear behaviours when lifted off the ground. Estimates from owner surveys suggest that around 60% of pet rabbits struggle when lifted and fear-related aggression is common. This article integrates information from both laboratory and pet rabbit studies...

Year Published: 2016Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Bradbury, A. G., Dickens, G. J. E. 2016. Appropriate handling of pet rabbits: A literature review. Journal of Small Animal Practice 57(10), 503-509.

The effects of handling on mouse behavior: cupped hands versus familiar or novel huts or tunnels (2025)

Mice are commonly tail-handled, despite evidence that this is aversive. Alternatives include cupping and tunnel handling; both methods are associated with improved welfare outcomes, including reduced anxiety and improved ease of handling, but tail handling may be perceived as more...

Year Published: 2025Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Bodnar, M. J., Makowska, I. J., Schuppli, C. A. et al. 2025. The effects of handling on mouse behavior: Cupped hands versus familiar or novel huts or tunnels. PLOS ONE 20(5), e0323785.

Effects of changing veterinary handling techniques on canine behaviour and physiology Part 2: Behavioural measurements

Signs of distress in dogs during veterinary visits are often normalised rather than viewed as welfare concerns. Interventions designed to reduce fear during veterinary visits were evaluated to see if they affected dogs' behaviours compared to dogs without interventions. Twenty-eight...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Handling, RestraintAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Squair, C., Proudfoot, K., Montelpare, W. et al. 2024. Effects of changing veterinary handling techniques on canine behaviour and physiology Part 2: Behavioural measurements. Animal Welfare 33, e43.