A study of the use of resting platforms by farmbred blue foxes

Abstract

There are general demands and recommendations drafted by animal welfare organizations that a resting platform with a solid surface be provided for farmbred foxes kept in wire-mesh cages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether or not blue foxes themselves prefer to use the platforms and to determine the underlying factors affecting their use. Data were collected by direct visual observation combined with automatic sampling on a total of 47 blue foxes for 120 24-h days altogether. The animals included individuals of both sexes and both yearlings and older foxes. The platforms, forming a shelf inside the cages, were mounted in place in summer or autumn, and their use was observed up to late winter. All foxes used the platforms. They spent an average of 6.8±1% of their daily time or 98±15 min day −1 on the platform. A major portion of the use comprised visits of short duration. The platforms were used more during the working day, when short visits were also most common, than during the evening/night hours. Open platforms were used more than platforms with walls (150 vs. 19 min). The interest the animals showed in the platforms decreased with time. Unexpectedly, the platforms were used more at or above freezing temperatures than during really cold weather (120 vs. 67 min). Wind alone did not increase platform use, but high wind combined with high temperature promoted use. Inter-individual differences contributed to 59% of the variance of use, followed by the type of platform (walls vs. no walls) (17%) and temperature (5%). The effects of sex and orientation of the platforms with respect to the sun were not significant. The results do not support the hypothesis that the platforms function as shelter, rather the platforms were used because they were available. Because of large inter-individual variation in the preference for platforms, this trait can be increased easily through selection, provided that future experiments can confirm the beneficial effect of the platforms on the animals' welfare.