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Environmental Husbandry Manual Click here for CONTENTS Page No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author - For contact details see about the author |
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Individual Methods for
Enclosure Design
Wood Chip
The methods outlined in this section relate to features of enclosure construction and layout which may be used to enhance the living conditions of animals, including the use of shelter areas, vegetation, viewing platforms and climbing structures.
Wood Chip |
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| Method | Variable textured bark, wood shavings and wood chips, spread generously around the enclosure, to a depth of at least 4-6 inches. | |
| Species | All animals not totally arboreal or water-dwelling. | |
| Purpose | Provide substrate for foraging, for dust bathing to deal with skin and feather parasites, to reduce disease, and to provide variation in underfoot substrate texture and smell. | |
| Pro | Reduced incidence of disease as bacteria in wood chip break down pathogens such as Salmonella (Chamove et al 1982). Bark looks more natural than concrete. | |
| Con | -- | |
| Improvements | Bushes and other vegetation can be planted in the wood chip. Different depths of bark in different areas of the enclosure add variety. | |
| Comments | Wood chip should be raked daily if possible, topped up every month, and replaced once or twice per year with fresh material. | |
| Frequency of Use | Constant. | |
| Ratings | Usefulness | 10/10/10/10/10 |
| Convenience | 10/10/10/10/9 | |
| Value For Money | 10/10/10/10/10 | |
| Range of Users | 10/10/8/7/8 | |
| Contributed By | Primate Section / Bird Section / Hoof-Stock Section / Reptile Section / Carnivore Section | |