Husbandry of the Fennec fox (Fennecus zerda): environmental conditions influencing stereotypic behaviour
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Published source details
Carlstead K. (1991) Husbandry of the Fennec fox (Fennecus zerda): environmental conditions influencing stereotypic behaviour. International Zoo Yearbook, 30, 202-207.
Published source details Carlstead K. (1991) Husbandry of the Fennec fox (Fennecus zerda): environmental conditions influencing stereotypic behaviour. International Zoo Yearbook, 30, 202-207.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
Action | Category | |
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Carnivores: Provide live invertebrate prey, including in feeding devices Action Link |
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Carnivores: Provide live invertebrate prey, including in feeding devices
A small replicated study in 1986 of fennec foxes Fennecus zerda in a zoo in the USA found that feeding live crickets increased explorative behaviours compared to meat being cut into smaller pieces, extra sand in the enclosure and less noise during cleaning. When fed live crickets, explorative behaviours increased (80 minutes/day) compared to the median of other conditions (40 minutes/day). Four fennec foxes housed in pairs were fed daily at 13:30 h on a commercial diet, fruit, eggs, fish bones and mealworms (only the two males’ data statistically analysed). Behaviours were assessed based on 24 hour video recordings during five to eight 10-day periods. The conditions included: 1) added sand, 2) provision of live crickets, 3) meat was cut into smaller pieces, and 4) no excessive noise made during cleaning. Behavioural categories included pacing, digging, exploring, burying food and resting/sleeping.
Output references
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