ENCLOSURES FOR ANIMALS

摘要

A secure enclosure for housing small animals such as mice, or any other climbing animal, comprises a wire mesh vertical cylinder (circular or polygonal) which forms an enclosing wall (1) and also a vertical climbing surface for mice. Inside this cylinder are a set of vertically spaced platforms (13), one above the other, spaced from the inside wall of the mesh by a sufficient distance that the mice can pass between the mesh and the edge of the platform, but access the platform from the mesh. This provides a stimulating environment for the mice allowing them to exercise their natural desire for climbing and exploration. A portable temporary container is also provided which comprises a chamber (30) for housing mice, which is in the form of a sector of a circle having access holes (38) in one of its radial walls (32). A door (40) is hinged to the edge of the chamber at the centre of the circle, the door being sweepable from a position in contact with a blank wall (34) of the container to a position in which it covers and closes the access holes. By temporarily confining the animals in a circular container (7) into which the temporary enclosure is placed, the animals may be shepherded into the chamber using the hinged door.