Behavioral Enrichment

[@thatcleverchick1182]

I love your enthusiasm, and the bit with the blanket and candy at the beginning was hilarious!

[@JeagerTank]

This channel is new and can only get better and better. Keep up all the hard but admirable work. DFTBA

[@TheBlackrose1989]

Literally all last year I kept thinking, "God I SO wish Animal Wonders would have an episodic KZbin channel" and this year when it finally happened I have never been happier!

[@narc0manic]

Ha, the blanket reminds me how much our dogs love playing with those. You know how it's endlessly entertaining to put a one on a pet and watch the lump move around? Turns out our dogs also love it, and we only have to take out a blanket and wave it around a little bit and they start going, "OMG YES we get to go under the blanket!"

[@stephtaylor1384]

I myself have a cavia porcellus (guinea pig) and love giving him new things to chew on his favorite is stealing homework and cereal when I'm eating breakfast. I love when he purrs!! Great video about BE!

[@edwelsh5955]

oh the little guys are back the ones from australia. I love all the animals you have on ur show u r the best @ taking care of and treating the animals right.

[@My2ndnephew]

I appreciate the love and concern you have for animals. So many people don't see them as beings, just possessions.

[@sakuradeva555]

That is really interesting! I love to see you guys taking care of those animals you can really tell how much you love them and how hard you work to keep them happy. You all are an inspiration.

[@barbarabogomolov4577]

LOVE your work...your ability to provide a professional and fun message in such short bursts!

[@TheDaydreamer793]

First off while I love all of your videos I really loved this one because it was helpful to other people who have/ work with animals as well. Second I'm jealous of your ability to bring tools in from outside such as branches! I live in a city and so I'm a little hesitant to grab things from the park because they spray pesticides that I'm worried would hurt my cavies.

[@animalwondersmontana]

Yes, be very careful about giving branches or greens to your cavues if you don't absolutely know their history. It's definitely a perk living in the country and having access to all the clean plants and other natural items.

[@SmilinSweetpea]

If you have friends/family who have fruit trees (except avocado trees) in their back yards and you know they don't spray, perhaps you can ask for their trimmings.

[@TheDaydreamer793]

I know people who don't spray, but because I live in a state with a dense deer population people usually don't grow fruits :/

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

Augusto seems really nice and fun to be around :). Love your work guys, very inspiring!

[@joaohdb]

I super wanted to know about enrichment in Animal Wonders. I study biology and had to study quite a bunch of behavior in captivity animals, specially mammals and their pacing. Keep doing the amazing work you do :D

[@animalwondersmontana]

Thank you! Glad you got to learn about captive animal behavior!

[@romantheflash]

This is really cool, I guess it's something we don't think about a lot for animals that we don't usually have as pets, but this was cool seeing all the different things that could be done to help them (including traing.)

[@Cal0Pat]

I used to be in charge of BE for a whole range of animals at my local zoo's education department. My favourites were a pair of Cricetomys rats which we timed destroying our card/straw/paper creations every day. Between the two of them, the longest our wondrous contraptions lasted until they hit the treat at the centre was 4 min 12 seconds. But they then would spend the next few hours methodically shredding the whole thing, just in case they had missed anything...

[@animalwondersmontana]

Nice work! The longer an animal interacts with an item of BE the higher the caliber!

[@rbrandon404]

Hey Jessi, I have a 6 year old Blue Tongue Skink that I've had ever since he was about 6 weeks old. I let live crickets out in his terrarium sometimes to keep him active and I also take him out and let him roam around my room sometimes. I feel like I could be doing more to keep him occupied, is there anything you would suggest doing? Thanks.

[@Stipopedia]

The drawing style in the beginning and end of the video is so cute.

[@kielgross1706]

my kitten was attacked by another male cat and i dont know how i can prevent it from happening again he sleeps and eat in the house but he gose outside when we open the door

[@JenniferGonzalez-ds1gf]

I really love these animal wonders videos

[@CharlesDourdy]

Made me laugh All these fancy toys, treats and various objects to keep the animals busy and enriched.. and then what does the Turtle get? a log. just a log. "Look Turtle Buddy! You can sorta stand near it! Don't you feel Enriched?" hahaha

[@livinthepetlife3309]

actually, the best enrichment for reptiles is cage furniture. like logs.

[@CharlesDourdy]

+Livin' The Pet Life I admit ignorance on the matter. It just seems sad but funny... "dawww, I'm just a turtle.. I get a log"

[@believexo]

Hi, I have a Bearded Dragon as a class room pet. Any suggestions on Behavioral Enrichment I could provide for him.

[@animalwondersmontana]

As I've said, reptiles benefit greatly from "furniture" enrichment. Rearrange the things inside his enclosure and offer varied textures and shapes for him to experience. Vary the type of prey items and "salads" you offer. Hands on interaction is also a great type of enrichment granted he enjoys being handled. Have fun with thinking of new ways to get him experiencing new objects. Maybe once a week/month you could have a student choose a new item of furniture to give him. Some examples of good furniture options are: branches, sticks, rocks, plants, plastic caves/plants/rocks/bowls, sandbox, dirt box, bark, mirror, and/or bell. Make sure the furniture is safe for his size. Be careful of taking natural items from outside, you don't want to introduce any harmful pathogens. Have fun!

[@AmandaRuzin]

I don't blame Lollipop for being overwhelmed by that particular enrichment. :) My cats were totally freaked out by a robotic toy pig I used to have.

[@Ajroses9876]

Hi Jessie! Any safe bahavioral enrichment for a hedgehog? She loves food and her wheel, but she is not a toy kind of hog. Any sort of texture I should/can try exposing her to? (She kind of goes for toilet paper rolls but is not a huge fan)

[@Powerranger-le4up]

Being a volunteer docent at a zoo, I'm always looking for enrichment that is put out for the animals because it is handy tool to explain their behavior.

[@1chenann]

How would you go about ensuring proper behavioral enrichment for a lizard? I have a leopard gecko at home and I don't think I've been giving her enough stimulation.

[@Thebeetlemangr]

Plants, hides, safe spaces to clinb, places to dig all can help with that 😁

[@huevitorojo]

I did some practices here in Peru in our national zoo and I remember that in order to estimulate snakes, the caretakers had to gave them mouses from their farm. They explain me they had to kill (sometimes) the mouses for the Behavioral Enrichment. Nevertheless, that method has to do a lot with moral issues, since killing animals or giving live animals for the stimulation of other species isn't something very ethical at all... Jessi, do you use this kind of methods or do you approve it?

[@alexthealchemist92]

Some snakes won't eat dead animals since they're not scavengers, they're predators. Animals have no morals or ethics because they act on instinct (there is some research of a very primitive form of morals in monkeys, but note that these animals are what we consider "highly evolved" because they're genetically close to us). So in conclusion, if snakes hunt on mice in their natural habit (which they do) I think is the responsibility of their caretakers to mimic those conditions in captivity as similar as possible.

[@huevitorojo]

Thanks mate

[@Twinboy1995]

I love how the skunk runs away from the toy. That made me laugh really hard.

[@chinchillascientia5263]

great channel!

[@satan4360]

I'm actually learning more here than I learned in school XD

[@katiegoguen9580]

i loved how there was a guinea pig just chilling with the cavy. are they friends?

[@bluebyyou]

favorite episode so far :D

[@Animalconferece]

Love this! Keep posting!

[@yin7yang7wolf7]

oh gosh thank you for the upload its HARD to find anything on youtube on animal behavior stuff D: EEK!! for other types of animals.

[@SolvFM]

I love these videos!

[@kriminaldragons7423]

Thanks for the video! I've been looking for better ways to enrich the lives of my mammals, avians, and reptiles. I may be getting pigeons and pheasants soon, any tips for those guys?

[@nudl3Zz]

I think you have the most expressive eyes I have ever seen^^ Is it really smart to freak a skunk out? :-D

[@ScrutesMaGlutes]

its de-sprayorganed

[@nudl3Zz]

but what would happen if it wasn't?

[@ScrutesMaGlutes]

a long bath

[@nudl3Zz]

:-D

[@JillH1995]

See the previous episode that's about skunks.

[@MissLilyputt]

How do I enrich red ear sliders? They get vegetables and sometimes fruits but what else?

[@animalwondersmontana]

One of the best ways to enrich reptiles is to give them new "furniture" of all textures and shapes to explore. Rocks, logs, plants, platforms, sand, pebbles, etc. are all great examples of BE "furniture".

[@npcKee]

Lollipop didn't seem to like that toy xD

[@animalwondersmontana]

She does not like that dancing chicken! I don't think anyone likes that thing. Even my human boys don't like it. BE can also include stimulation that isn't necessarily pleasant. Of course, we don't inundate them with aversive stimuli.

[@nadiact-ie5hy]

AnimalWonders Montana She just didn't want to wear that easter bonnet. It had too many frills upon it.

[@randomfun8D]

very educational stuff, awesome :D

[@HorsesIC]

Hi! I'm moving to Missoula in August to go to UM for Wildlife Biology. Do you accept volunteers or interns? Thanks!

[@Sophz235]

I'm a bit worried about one of my cats; he's 18 years old and doesn't have the motivation to play with toys anymore. What kind of behavioural enrichment would be suitable for him?

[@kerimurrell7124]

Maybe more scent related? Cats as they get older do tend to play less. This is because there natural exploration years are when they are young. The obvious one is catnip, if they aren't immune to its qualities. But you can try other scents too, my older cat (14 years) has decided she loves the scent of saw dust (I spilt some I was taking out to clean my animals) she rolled around in it, a similar reaction to catnip. She also likes to explore enclosed places like cardboard boxes or paper bags with handles cut. I hope I was of some help :-)

[@Sophz235]

Keri Murrell Thank you for the reply! I was thinking of catnip too, but you've inspired me to experiment with different things as well :D haha your cat sounds awesome

[@kerimurrell7124]

Sophie no problem!! :-D I hope you find something for your cat :-) thank you, she is. :-)

[@banndsand]

I'm wondering what kind of behavioral enrichment one would suggest for doves. They don't tend to be interested in the bird toys made for most birds, and they have a rather different range of possible things you could train them to do.

[@thisisnancybot]

My cat loves to play fetch! We were quite shocked when she was a kitten and we were throwing these plastic balls for her to chase, and she started bringing them back. Since then. we've talked to multiple cat owners whose cats do the same thing. Coraline is very picky about the type of balls she will fetch though.

[@MelissaFlaquer]

Hi Jessi, I have an 16 month old cat, lately he has been over grooming, we live in the Caribbean and is really hot this time of the year and I thought it might be because of that. He also spends less time playing outside during the day (we live in an enclosed neighbourhood that has a lot of green areas where he usually goes to catch lizards and small birds) Beside the fact that he got into a fight with a stray cat that tried to eat his food there hasn´t been another change on his behaviour. what do you think? should I be worried?

[@animalwondersmontana]

I would be more concerned about humidity that heat. Domestic cats originate from felines living in arid regions. If you think the behavior is related to the season I would suggest a dehumidifier. Cats can experience trauma from a territorial dispute with another cat and become uncomfortable in their current living situation. They also have a very keen sense of smell and if the stray left urine claiming territory near your home then your cat could still be experiencing stress related to the territory dispute. Overgrooming could be his way of trying to cope with the stress. Observe him and see if he's avoiding certain areas of your house. If he is, give him a space to "get away" by creating a high shelf to sit on in his prefered room/location. I would also say that giving more enrichment can never hurt! Offer him a new scratching toy, catnip toys, feather chasers, etc. Try and get him to focus on other activities besides grooming. These suggestions are just my guessed since it's impossible to accurately diagnose an issue when I can't see the space and observe the animal's behavior in person. Be aware that overgrooming can lead to increased hair balls. Good luck!

[@MelissaFlaquer]

Thank you! he has his high places to play and rest since he was little. I haven´t noticed him avoiding any places but I´ll keep my eyes open. Weirdly, I have never seen him spit hair balls, his hair is really soft and shiny. I plan to get him some toys soon too, thanks again

[@AmandaRuzin]

My cat over groomed once because of a spike in seasonal allergies. Not sure what exactly what she was allergic to, but my vet gave her a one-time shot and it seemed to help a ton, and it's never happened again.

[@porumbaradu8023]

you guyis are simply divine :)

[@Legolassytrio]

You said about Enrichment things for cats and dogs, but how about chickens or even cockateils (not sure or the spelling)? I guess that Cockateils like the same kinds of stuff as parrots, but I have no comparison for chickens since there are no wild chickens (that I know of).

[@schpookendike]

In lie with your shirt Jesi! I have a wonderful weird obsession with owls and I truly wish there could be a mutually beneficial situation in which I could have a barn owl to chill with me :)

[@Powerranger-le4up]

Wild animals don't make good pets. They're also a federally protected species.

[@Hexxoone]

That laughter at the end hahahaha

[@hviw]

What kind of animal is the small barely visible animal next to the cavy? A lemming?

[@zoeaargh]

The guinea pig? Small patchy brown blob behind the log? Cavia porcellus. One of the most common small pets in Australia beside rabbits.

[@blackheartvamp1]

do you know any good ways to behaviorally enrich pet rats? thanks!

[@JillH1995]

To anyone that has kittens or playful adult cats: tie a Pop Tart wrapper to some yarn or string and move it around for your cat. Mine go nuts over it; they like shiny, noisy things.

[@Haruta18]

I love you guys~!

[@stillshotprod]

Assuming you're not at risk of being sued, I'd love to hear your views on canine training practices and the idea that domestic canines suffer from a lack of hierarchical pack-like structure.

[@animalwondersmontana]

I don't know why I would be sued for my opinion, but I'll try and address some more animal behavior in future episodes.

[@Qermaq]

Yes! There are a lot of pervasive pet-care lies that you would be the perfect person to address!

[@NaraMouse101]

The "hierarchical pack-like structure" thing is a load of mouse poop. It's based off of the behavior of wolves in captivity (aka large groups of unrelated wolves). In the wild, what you normally see are small groups consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. The 'alpha' wolves are actually Mom and Dad. And if you're a young wolf you listen to Mom and Dad because you want to catch the food, not because you're 'submissive' and they're 'dominant.' Extended family members can be included in the pack and the parents kick the children out as they see fit, so size and exact composition vary. Dogs are basically adolescent wolves (neurologically, behaviorally, and morphologically). Just substitute Mom and Dad with human caregivers. When pet-parents talk about their dogs being their children, the description is surprisingly accurate. The main difference being that the dog is always going to be juvenilized and human children grow up and move out.

[@DoctorRock172]

Best KZbins

[@fonzer22]

so uh where can we get one of those "shut yer wife up" blankets? but for real, nice episode :) This is one of those episodes that has great audience participation posibilities. (like sending in photos of our ways of entertaining housepets...

[@Niekard]

You and Augusto are SO cute!

[@xBelastianx]

And for everything else there is the Aperture Science Enrichment Center :D

[@MythagoWoods]

I think the skunk had to much enrichment.

[@peterknutsen3070]

MythagoWoods I’m surprised it didn’t spray that horribly noisy toy.

[@PaulaJaey]

Haha, you two are adorable together :P

[@incrediblegale8683]

OMG!!!!! goose is awsome.

[@CorneliusSneedley]

I'm curious as to why you prefer the term "behavioral enrichment" to "environmental enrichment." It seems to me the latter is more accurate, but there may be something I am missing.

[@HectorHernandez-dx1zn]

To maintain normal behaviors they need natural-like environments and activities

[@animalwondersmontana]

I originally learned the term as "behavioral enrichment" and I have trouble changing terms. I feel comfortable using it because to me when you give them enrichment it stimulates their senses and creates a reaction which is changing their behavior. I guess I focus more on the change in behavior than the change in environment. Both are correct.

[@cloverring]

She mentioned before she has hard time changing the use of terms.

[@Qermaq]

I guess the focus is not on what you do to the environment, but what your actions do to the behavior of the subjects. That's the reason you're manipulating the environment, after all.

[@Gillmojo]

I'll bet Lollipop was wishing she could spray the heck out of that thing :D

[@issaknife1379]

omg I just had such a good idea (weird ik) if I ever get a very vocal parrot like the amazon parrot I'm going to teach her to vocalize pokemon cries.... I just thought of that because the one in the video sounded like a pokemon

[@john_hunter_]

Welcome to the Aperture Science Enrichment Center.

[@Qermaq]

One skunk afraid of the Easter Bunny thumbed down. :(

[@thiscrazynerd]

what about fish?

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

I try NOT to frighten the many skunks in my neighborhood, otherwise it can get somewhat smelly !

[@cherylsterrenburg2186]

Kenyan Sand Boas (snake at the beginning of the video) actually live in SANDY SOIL - not sand....wow

[@AncientFataIis]

Is that your sand boa? Because despite their name they REALLY should not be kept on sand, it is dangerous for almost any reptile. Shredded aspen is a completely safe alternative and I really advise that you look into changing out the sand if it is yours.

[@animalwondersmontana]

Thank you for your concern. Our sand boa has been housed on several different types of substrate (sand, aspen, soil) and has done well on all of them for awhile. Any substrate can be considered dangerous for reptiles due to ingestion and compaction. Choosing a substrate should be based on a combination of the species' native habitat and also the individual animal. Sandy had a traumatic experience with aspen shaving when she ingested some of the splinters and subsequently regurgitated the meal. She didn't eat for 3 months after that and now will only eat very small live prey. She also refuses to eat in a separate container so we can't just relocate her off the substrate for her meal-times. We now feed her on a rimmed plate inside her enclosure to prevent ingestion of the substrate and to keep her comfortable enough to eat. There are often many ways to correctly house and care for animals and what works well in one situation may not work in another.

[@AncientFataIis]

AnimalWonders Montana More so than impaction, especially since you are so careful, I have heard since sand is not a natural substrate for Kenyans that they can breathe it in since it is so fine-grained. I know you are an expert with years of experience, but I have never heard of a single good thing of using sand from any experienced hobbyists for anything other than extremely specific species of reptiles that are found in dune-like areas. I do not mean to annoy you, and I am sorry to hear about that awful experience with the aspen bedding and the resulting effects, but I cannot help but worry when all I hear are horror stories of sand boas being kept on sand dying because of it.

[@zoeaargh]

A thing to keep in mind when it comes to anecdotal evidence: you will generally only hear extreme examples. People who have no issue with sand for their snakes aren't going to talk about it. It's a bit like looking at product reviews online - only people who had factory glitches or astoundingly wonderful results will generally bother reviewing items.

[@PINGPONGROCKSBRAH]

All Kemosabe needs for enrichment is a few slices of banana haha

[@ragnkja]

And his basket. Don't forget his basket. (Maybe put a banana slice in the basket?)

[@selvatico3]

It's Amazing see animals in cage...... A lot of associations start declaring that "save" animals in difficult, but later it become a business and the animals increasing in different kind of species. To attract people. The animals need freedom and must be reintroduced in nature.

[@3nertia]

The animals they take in often cannot be reintroduced due to injuries or not having the skills necessary to survive in the wild. Be thankful there's a place like Animal Wonders to take in all the pets people thought they wanted ;)

[@LeslieStockton]

i so like u ..I hope your in schools .. this would interest them ..GET THEM YOUNG ..and u save them .. :-)

[@leemilica]

That one dislike...

[@DrunkenNuts]

i found that my dog needs toys and bones to work his jaw muscles, and if he doesn't get them from me he will find them himself.

[@pigcatapult]

Does your chinchilla watch television?

[@LordPurrington]

5 Gum. Stimulate the senses.

[@maggiebookworm]

The people at Sea World should see this: their killer whales do obviously not have enough behavioural enrichment.

[@filetero7687]

Gg

[@qoaa]

I try to practice good "husbandry", when my wife makes me a sandwich I reward her with a cookie! :-P

[@kujmous]

NO SCARE THE STINKYSTINKY!