Changes in female chinchilla behavior due to the cage equipment

Abstract

Abstract Even though chinchillas have been farmed for a century, there are not many studies concerning their behavior in captivity or optimal housing conditions, all of which are important factors in the assessment of their welfare and degree of domestication. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different cage types on chinchillas' behavior and their reactions towards humans. Female chinchillas (n=12) were kept in three types of cages: standard with a wire floor (S); standard with a deep litter floor of shavings (SR); enlarged with a deep litter floor of shavings (LR). Animals spent 11 weeks in each type of cage. The chinchillas’ reactions toward humans were evaluated by the hand test. Ethograms were prepared based on round-the-clock video recordings. The activity of chinchillas was compared, taking into account the different cage types and the animals’ varying responses to the hand test. Animals kept in LR cages presented significantly less timid reactions in comparison to those kept in S and SR cages. The chinchillas spent most of their time resting (68% of the day), in locomotion (23%), and eating or drinking (8%); they spent only 1% on grooming behavior. Cage enrichment generally reduced the fear of humans. However, the average chinchilla response to the hand test was classified in each type of cage as "cautious". Analyses of the ethograms indicated that the chinchillas were active mostly during the dark stage of the day. In conclusion, the bigger size of the cage and its enrichment (particularly litter) reduces fearfulness and the passivity of animals, which could be evidence of better welfare conditions.