Stacked PVC Cups
Type
Food-Based Enrichment
Animals
Musteloids and primates, could be used with giraffe and okapi
Food Extraction
Problem Solving
Behaviors
Object Manipulation
Why We Like It
This enrichment encourages animals to use their hands or paws to manipulate an object in order to extract a reward. Animals must simultaneously separate the PVC cups with their hands while getting the food out, which takes a long time and is a mental exercise all in one.
Materials
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Long metal eye bolt (over 12" should work depending on PVC cap size)
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Locking nut to fit eye bolt
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Washer to fit eye bolt
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3 PVC lids (size is your choice... 3" dia. works best)
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Heavy duty metal glue (if your animals might take the nut off the bolt)
How to Make It
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Drill holes in the 3 PVC end caps large enough to fit the eye bolt through
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String the PVC end caps onto the eye bolt with the openings facing the eye of the bolt
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Place the washer followed by the locking nut onto the eye bolt. Leave room for the PVC cups to be spread apart so your animal can reach inside. Optional: use heavy duty metal-binding glue to secure the locking nut if your animals are at risk for removing it
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Place foods into each PVC cup. For an added challenge, you can smear honey, peanut butter, bananas, etc along the walls of each cup.
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Hang from the eyebolt and enjoy!
WildThink did not create and does not own any of the enrichment items shown on WildThink's enrichment database. Enrichment items are the property of their respective "sources", which can be found below the title of each enrichment item. WildThink is not responsible for any animal injuries or deaths that may occur whilst using enrichment found on WildThink's enrichment database. It is the responsibility of animal caretakers, managers, curators, and attending veterinarians to ensure that each enrichment item and the materials used to make the enrichment item are safe and suitable for an animal prior to use. WildThink is not liable for enrichment malfunctions.