Enrichment - Environmental Enrichment Program

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

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

image of a rabbit enrichment toy - jingle ball

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

Ferrets

1 Bio-Serv Ferret Ball per cage
- 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

Pigs

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