ANIMAL ENCLOSURES
Types of Animal Enclosures
Animal enclosures are diverse in size, shape, function and materials. They serve as an
important tool in our society today, as they are used in science, government, education and private sectors.
Different materials are used in construction, including steel, wood, plastic, fabric and
others. For
example, steel enclosures are used to contain large, aggressive animals that might escape and do harm to
other animals or humans. For small animals such as rodents, small plastic containers can be used for safe
containment.
Basically, animal enclosures can be used for capturing or containing almost any animal
of the 6 animal types in the world - invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Capture and release - Some animals that are considered to be dangerous or
endangered need to be relocated from one geographic location to another. This is done for the greater
benefit of the animal kingdom as well as humans. Capture and release cages are specifically designed for
the unique design features that enable a professional to safely release dangerous animals into wild areas
or protected wildlife sanctuaries.
- Capture - typically used to capture a small to medium animal in a wild area
or residential property. These types of enclosures are not specifically designed for release, but can
still be used by anyone who needs to remove a dangerous or invasive species from their property.
Typically, when a captured animal is considered to be wild and/or dangerous, Animal Control services will
arrive to transfer the animal from the capture cage to an animal transportation vehicle and than taken to
an animal shelter.
- Pets - containing of an animal as a pet.
- Containment - keeping of animals in containers in zoos and science centers.
- Shelters - holding domestic pets in animal shelters for adoption.
- Transportation - Certain animals need transportation for specific reasons,
such as animals being transported from city to city and used for entertainment events. Examples of animals
used in entertainment are race horses, livestock, circus animals and dog shows. Also, animal control
facilities need specially designed trucks that are used for transporting animals to shelters.
- Covered Arenas - Covered arenas are used for rodeo facilities, horse barns,
and indoor riding arenas. Durable tensioned fabric is used for this type of enclosure, and are used for
many applications. This type of design is uniquely suited for use in the equine industry, however, it can
be used for other purposes... rodeo events, auxiliary channels for short guidance of rodeo animals,
horse barns, general stalls and boarding, auction barns, indoor riding arenas, horse riding camps,
covered corrals and dog shows. Even though a covered arena uses canvas and other durable fabrics, there
is also steel and aluminum used for the overall structure.
Science
The role of an animal lab-technologist involves multiple tasks in research that provide quality
to the life of lab animals. Their tasks include testing, experiments, research, etc., as well as remedial
duties such as cleaning cages, transporting, and feeding. Animal enclosures used in research vary greatly in
design, as there are many aspects of scientific research that must be considered. Providing the correct type
of cage environment is essential for various species to exhibit their natural behavior.
- Primate cages
are tall to give the primate a sense of security and movement. The cage is
often horizontal to allow the animal to climb the cage. Since a primate is a strong and intelligent animal,
the cage bars are normally made out of steel to ensure the animals are safely contained and also withstand
damage. Cages often have multi-levels to allow primates to get away from each other when necessary.
- Rodents
are kept in smaller individually ventilated cages (IVCs) which are normally made out of a plastic.
IVCs provide a stable environment that are sealed but with air handling units for filtration. The special
design of an IVC help to control the internal environment by protecting against external pathogens. The
cages are small to accommodate their social behavior and mating activities. Red filters allow humans to see
in the cage at their activities but the rodents can't see out the same way, allowing for better monitoring
while making the animals feel safe and uninterrupted.
- Rabbit cages are often wider than they are tall so they can run around a
little. The cage is often placed on the ground. Traditionally, rabbits were housed in single cages which
caused more stress to the animals, but now they are more often grouped together so they can express
their activities. Their cage environmental is often enriched with cardboard boxes, hay, straw and raised
areas that provide more security and encourage natural behaviors.
How animal enclosures are designed to meet the needs of laboratory
animals»
Capture & Release Cages
Capture cages are used to solve a problem with an animal that has become a nuisance or threat.
Trapping an animal with a capture cage is used as a last resort when barriers, diversions and scare tactics
have continually failed. Trapping is an appropriate solution when an animal on your property is creating
an emergency situation that compels a home owner to safely remove the live animal.
Buildings & Large Control Structures
Larger anmimal enclosures can consist of city government installations and privately
owned business in a commercial building or private residence.
- Kennels - A kennel is a secure and humane way of ensuring that your dog
or cat is safe and secure in a large cage or secure cell area. Pets are kept for various lengths of
time and are provided with only the basics, which typically include food, water, and shelter.
- Boarding - Pet boarding services provide more than shelters do. Along with
the basics, your pet receives the type of attention that is much like a family atmosphere. Your pet is
watched by someone who shows affection, plays with your pet, and cares for it as if it were their own.
- Shelter - Shelters use rows of enclosures that are constructed form barred
cages with cement floors. Many animal shelters will take just about every type of
domesticated animal, including birds, rabbits and even horses, but by far the main residents are cats
and dogs.
- Sancuary -
Animal Laws
Caution needs to be taken when capturing an animal. Be aware that when setting up a
capture cage, it may be considered poaching for certain species. Britannica defines poaching as the
illegal shooting, trapping, or taking of game, fish, or plants from private property or from a place where
such practices are specially reserved or forbidden. Aside from illegally killing an animal, another example
of poaching is the taking of eggs from the nest of an endangered or protected animal, such as the
loggerhead turtle. Before setting up a live trap, become
familiar with your state laws regarding how to comply with trapping and transporting wildlife. Be mindful
of following safe procedures in order to trap an animal humanely. If there are any doubts, consider
hiring a professional by contacting your local Regional Wildlife Office for animal damage control agents in
your area. Improper use may result in stress and physical damage during capture and exposure to extreme
weather and lack of water. Injuries, trauma and disorientation can lead to the death of an animal.
Animal Welfare Act:
The Animal Welfare Act
was signed into law in 1966. It is the only Federal law in the
United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by
dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications
for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard. The
Act is enforced by USDA, APHIS, Animal Care.
Modern traps fall into two main categories - kill traps and
live traps.
- Live Traps - Live animal traps allow you to remove unwanted animals in a
humane way. These capture cage traps allow you to remove and relocate pest animals without harming them.
These traps are durable, safe and effective live animal cage traps that come in different sizes for
almost any animal. Cage traps are not designed to injure or kill wild animals or pets. Cage traps come
in a variety of designs and sizes that are effective for many different types of animals. Cage traps are
designed to effectively catch a live animal for the purpose of transporting the animal to a different
geographical location and then releasing it into a wilderness area or sanctuary.
- Kill Traps - The word "trap" can give the impression that it's designed to
trap an animal in an inhumane way. Unfortunately, especially for animal lovers, it's legal to use clamp
traps for foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and rabbits in states with outdoor regulations that allow it. Several
states in the U.S. have banned or restricted the use of bridger traps, snares, ladder traps and coil
traps that are used regularly to trap and/or kill small to medium size animals. Snap traps are mainly
used for rodents and sticky traps to catch snakes. Both are used by home owners to catch or kill them
on a regular basis.
Enclosures
The animal enclosures on this page are strictly for safely containing pets and domestic
farm animals. Several high quality animal cages and animal enclosures are available under various brand
names. Choose a model directly below, or shop for special cages designed for dogs, cats, birds, ferrets,
rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and other small pets.
Pet Playpen
PEEKABOO
8 Panels
$45.88
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Chicken Cage Coop
BestPet
Metal
$104.99
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Wooden Chicken Coop
Ogrmar
Wooden
$169.88
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Outdoor Run for Chicken Coops
Trixie
Wooden
$84.99
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