Animal housing

need for suitable environment

factors to consider when selecting suitable accommodation 

type of accommodation

access to the accommodation

location of the accommodation

size of the accommodation

considering types of accomoodation

construction materials - suitable for intended species

strong and weatherproof

considering access to accommodation

allows access to food and water depending on species’ preference

easy to clean and maintain

doors or lids able to open/close without obstruction

considering location of accommodation

away from busy areas - e.g. traffic, lots of visitors

away from direct sunlight and draughts

predators and prey kept at acceptable distances from each other

considering size of accommodation

able to house the animal comfortably

suitable for intended purpose e.g. breeding considerations

species requirements - recommended minimum size from RSPCA

suitable stocking density - e.g. for livestock

examples of natural water sources

streams

ponds

pros of natural water sources

visually appealing

promotes natural behaviours

cons of natural water sources

animal or handler may fall in (can be problematic for both)

pro of using bowls for water

easy

con of using bowls for water

can easily be tipped over

examples of accommodation

vivarium

aquarium

inside accommodation

outside accommodation

aviary

example of species that would use a vivarium and usual construction materials

royal python, bearded dragon

glass and/or wood

example of species that would use a aquarium and usual construction materials

neon tetra, axolotl

glass or plastic, depending on size

example of species that would use inside accommodation and usual construction materials

rat, guinea pig

plastic or metal

example of species that would use outside accommodation and usual construction materials

rabbit, ferret

metal cages and wooden hutches

example of species that would use an aviary and usual construction materials

African grey parrot, cockatiel

usually metal (can be inside or outside)

evaluate the suitability of the accommodation pictured as housing for two rabbits

pros:

good size and design - has an outside and indoor area, and has plenty of space

has access to natural areas (grass) and give protection from the elements in the top are, as well as a warm bedding area

plenty of ventilation and lighting

accessible for cleaning, feeding etc

cons:

materials it is made from - wire will not give protection from predators. The wood can be gnawed on and have sharp splinters that injure them. Wood may deteriorate due to absorbing rainwater and urine. Does not look strong or long lasting

rabbits could escape by digging, or predators could dig to enter

why are substrates necessary?

promotes natural behaviours (nest building/digging)

encourage foraging

help maintain humidity

help maintain temperature

soak up urine/faeces

make it easier to clean bedding area

encourage play

provide comfort

types of substrate

shavings, straw, hemp bedding, peat, orchid bark, sphagnum moss, shredded paper, aquarium gravel, veterinary bedding 

pros and cons of using shavings

pros

absorbent

easily accessible

cons

dusty

can contain splinters

pros and cons of using straw

pros

warm

animals can create nesting areas

cons

can appear messy

if stored in sheds can become damp

pros and cons of using hemp bedding

pros

allows burrowing

dry and dust-free

absorbent

cons

not suitable if damp enclosure required

pros and cons of using peat

pros

maintains humidity

easily accessible

cons

can be easily ingested

pros and cons of using orchid bark 

pros

maintains humidity well

cons

can be ingested

can be costly

pros and cons of using sphagnum moss

pros

absorbs and retains water

cons

can harbour bacteria if used for long periods

pros and cons of using shredded paper

pros

cheap

extra warmth

cons

can appear messy

can be ingested

pros and cons of using aquarium gravel

pros

aesthetically pleasing

offers feeding enrichment

cons

time consuming to clean thoroughly

animals that shavings are suitable for

small and large mammals

animals that straw is suitable for

large mammals and pets e.g. guinea pigs and rabbits

animals that hemp bedding is suitable for

snakes, tortoises, small and large mammals

animals that peat is suitable for

some amphibian and snake species

animals that orchid bark is suitable for

reptile and invertebrate species

animals that sphagnum moss is suitable for

reptile and invertbrate species

animals that shredded paper is suitable for

small mammals

animals that aquarium gravel is suitable for

aquatic species: fish and some amphibians

when is veterinary bedding used?

for animals in a veterinary setting

temperature and humidity requirements for reptile and amphibian enclosures

need heat lamps or mats and a small vent - particularly in winter

need a water source or misting to maintain humidity, particularly in summer

temperature and humidity requirements for mammal and bird enclosures

open enclosure with provision for animals to cool down or keep warm (e.g. substrates, bathing area)

in winter, may need more substrates or animal blankets

exothermic animal definition

cold blooded animals (e.g. reptiles)

cannot regulate their own body temperature

endothermic animal definition

warm blooded animals (e.g. most mammals and birds)

able to generate their own internal heat

poikilothermic definition

only mammal unable to generate its own body temperature

only poikilothermic mammal known

naked mole rat