Animal husbandry – Confining or housing
Patent
1999-03-09
2000-11-14
Poon, Peter M.
Animal husbandry
Confining or housing
119468, 119 579, 119452, A01K 100, A01K 3112
Patent
active
06145477&
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is commonly known that different captive animals, and specifically chameleons, are quite fragile and usually die from stress in captivity. In their captive environment, these animals need a variety of environments to simulate the various natural habitats which the animals use for daily body temperature regulation and survival. Exposure to the warmth of the sun and access to a moisture laden environment are two such habitats which are part of the daily ritual of most wild chameleons. Chameleons are thermoregulatory animals and each species has its own preferences as far as specific temperature and humidity optimums in their daily routine. The animals themselves know their optimums and adjust their daily routine to adapt to the changing conditions present in their natural environment. Since different pet owners have different temperatures and humidity levels in their own homes, it is important to keep captive animals, such as chameleons, in a terrarium or vivarium that will provide the animals with a variety of habitat options, thus allowing the chameleon or its owner to compensate for the temperature and humidity variations that exists in the owner's homes.
Experts have also found that the number of perches, as well as the angle of the perches, is extremely important to a captive chameleon's survival. While vertical branches are used by chameleons to climb from one place to another, they make poor perches and can lead to high stress levels. Providing a plurality of perches of varying angularity is desirable.
Currently, captive chameleons and other small animals are generally kept in aquariums and cages. Aquariums and cages are consistent with current terrarium and vivarium technology and are compatible with decor such as waterfalls, mosses, sticks, plants, artificial plants, rocks, artificial rocks, bark and other materials. Aquariums and cages also are generally compatible with a variety of plant and animal care instruments (including drip emitters, waste collection reservoirs, aquarium pumps and filters, heat lights, feeding dishes, pots and other plant and animal husbandry tools).
While aquariums and cages adequately contain animals and plants, there are problems inherent with them. For example animals often receive injuries from contact with vertical walls in aquariums and cages. Other problems include stress to the animal from being confined by physical barriers, stress in territorial species from constantly being exposed to their own reflection in glass enclosures.
Obviously, there is a need for a low stress animal containment system that provides multiple environmental conditions and different perching options while still allowing viewing of the animals and plants therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an animal containment system which is non-stressful to the animal and also escape proof.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a versatile containment structure easily adaptable to provide multiple environmental conditions to satisfy all the needs of chameleons in captivity.
An additional object of the present invention to provide a wall-less container that is safe for the animals contained therein.
It is another object of the invention to provide an animal containment system which is also compatible with a variety of plant and animal care instruments and accessories including water, light, heat and food sources.
In accomplishing the above objects, the present invention is a wall-less animal containment system, particularly adapted for chameleons but also suitable for other animals, including an upper enclosure, lower enclosure and means for connecting the two. The enclosures are designed to hold both animals and plants and to prevent the animals from climbing out of the containment system. The enclosures are compatible with a variety of different animal and plant care instruments including water drip systems, lighting systems, food supply and waste collection reservoirs, as well as deco
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Abbott Yvonne
Jansen Laboratories, LLC
Poon Peter M.
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