Animal-appropriate housing of ball pythons (Python regius)-Behavior-based evaluation of two types of housing systems.

ABSTRACT: Considering animal welfare, animals should be kept in animal-appropriate and stress-free housing conditions in all circumstances. To assure such conditions, not only basic needs must be met, but also possibilities must be provided that allow animals in captive care to express all species-typical behaviors. Rack housing systems for snakes have become increasingly popular and are widely used; however, from an animal welfare perspective, they are no alternative to furnished terrariums. In this study, we therefore evaluated two types of housing systems for ball pythons (Python regius) by considering the welfare aspect animal behavior. In Part 1 of the study, ball pythons (n = 35) were housed individually in a conventional rack system. The pythons were provided with a hiding place and a water b

SUBMITTER: Hollandt T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8158952 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature