Circadian rhythms

circadian rhythm

the changes in an animal’s activity levels during the day and night

commonly known as the sleep/wake cycle

main types of circadian rhythms

nocturnal, crepuscular, diurnal

nocturnal

active through the night and rest during the day

examples of nocturnal animals

owls and lemurs

crepuscular

active at dawn and dusk

examples of crepuscular animals

cats and deer

diurnal

active through the day and rest during the night

examples of diurnal animals

deer and squirrels

influences on animal’s activity levels

environment, e.g. temperature, enclosure size, other animals in enclosure, noise, light (e.g. too much during night or too little during day)

stereotypic behaviour (repeated behaviour with no purpose) caused by environment or other animals

owner’s lifestyle or activity

illness

companionship or lack of (of other animals or humans)

stereotypic behaviour

repeated behaviour with no purpose

how to provide cats with the right conditions for their circadian rhythm

provide cat flaps so they can come and go at any time of day or night

how to provide hamsters with the right conditions for their circadian rhythm

place them in a room that is quiet during the day so they can sleep

how to provide dairy cows with the right conditions for their circadian rhythm

they should only be moved and milked during daylight hours

how to provide pets with the right conditions for their circadian rhythm

active owners can encourage more activity from them, e.g. frequent walks or playing with balls/rope toys

seek vet treatment for illnesses promptly and administer medicines as instructed

how to provide social animals that have limited human contact with the right conditions for their circadian rhythm

give them companionship of other animals e.g. rabbits housed in pairs