Purpose: “The primary aim of environmental enrichment is to enhance animal well-being by providing animals with sensory and motor stimulation, through structures and resources that facilitate the expression of species-typical behaviors and promote psychological well-being through physical exercise, manipulative activities, and cognitive challenges according to species-specific characteristics.” (The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th ed.)  These guidelines will describe the University of Iowa’s Office of Animal Resource’s standard enrichment practices for each species listed.

In addition to the enrichment program details here, please see details of social housing located here.

Rabbits
Each rabbit is offered:

  • Vegetable (e.g. carrot, celery, etc.) weekly

  • Bio-Serv Bunny Block on a chain

    Bunny Block
  • One toy (e.g. Dumbbell, Jingle Ball or SS Rattle) at all times
Dumbbell

 

jingle ball
 
SS Rattle
 
  • Each rabbit is offered 2-3 small Shredded Wheat squares at each feeding
  • Other food enrichment items may be offered such as timothy cubes or hay

Frogs

  • 1 Bio-Serv Rodent Retreat per cage

    Rodent Retreat

Ferrets

  • 1 Bio-Serv Ferret Ball per cage

    Ferret Ball
    • For breeding animals, the Ferret Ball will be replaced with a nest box and bedding

  • 1 Bio-Serv Beefy Block on a Universal Hanging Chain per cage

    Beefy Block

Pigs

  • One enrichment toy to be offered per cage at all times
  • Examples: Bio-Serv Big Red Apple, 12” Best Ball or Jingle Ball
Bio-Serv Big Red Apple

  

Best Ball

      

jingle ball
  • Milk jugs with food treats inside but must be removed from enclosure by end of day

Mice, Rats

  • Each mouse or rat is housed with enriched paper bedding
  • If any mouse or rat is not housed with enriched paper bedding, alternative enrichment is provided (e.g.  Nyla-bone, hut)
Nyla bone
 

      

Rodent Retreat Hut



Guinea Pigs, Hamsters
Each guinea pig or hamster is housed with a retreat (e.g. Rodent Retreat Tunnel or Hut)

            

Rodent Retreat

     

Retreat Hut

Sheep and Goats

  • Sheep and goats are offered hay several times a week
  • A mirror may be used if animals are singly housed

Fish

  • Fish are offered brine shrimp daily

Pigeons

  • Pigeons are offered grit in addition to their regular diet
  • Additional enrichment is not routinely offered as it interferes with ongoing research

 

Last reviewed by the IACUC 11/8/2023