The University of Iowa
Vertebrate Animal Research

Enrichment - Environmental Enrichment Program

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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
    image of 5 different colored circular rings called bunny blocks
  • One toy (e.g. Dumbbell, Jingle Ball or SS Rattle) at all times

          

image of a red dumbell and blue dumbell
       
image of a rabbit enrichment toy - jingle ball, red ball with circular holes in it
         
three larger metal rings, one circular and two triangles with smaller rings on them
  • 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
    transparent blue rectangular cylinder

Ferrets

  • 1 Bio-Serv Ferret Ball per cage
    a red ball with smaller circular holes in it called a 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
    tan circular ring known as a bioserve 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

              

Pig enrichment toy that looks like a big red apple
      
image of various colored balls of varying sizes
          
pig enrichment - image of jingle ball, a red ball with smaller circular holes in it
  • 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)

                     

Mouse and rat enrichment called a Nylabone, green colored bone to chew
      
Mouse or rat hut, triangular shaped with a hole to enter


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

            

one red and one yellow cylinder called rodent retreat tunnels
     
red plastic archway called a hut that can be used by guinea pigs or hamsters

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