Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-17-2024
Abstract
Enrichment, such as introducing obstacles or novel foods, enhances captive animals' quality of life by providing a stimulating environment the animal may not otherwise experience in a captive setting. We sought to determine if the introduction of a new food source (i.e., day old chicks) and a maze (i.e., plastic tube) would serve as good enrichment tools for a captive prairie kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster). Our hypotheses were that the kingsnake would preferentially consume the novel food source and choose to interact with the maze. In two trials 14 days apart, we introduced one novel food item and its current food item (i.e., rodent) to the prairie kingsnake and observed if the snake preferentially ate the new food item over a 24-hour period. The prairie kingsnake did not consume chicks in either trial; however, it also did not consume any rodents. When offering the maze across six trials, the kingsnake entered and exited the maze five times. Overall, while the kingsnake chose not to consume any food items, the introduction of chicks as an enrichment tool may show promise if used over an extended time. The maze was a successful enrichment tool for the kingsnake, as the snake completed the maze; however, more research is needed to determine if other captive snakes will use the tube. Utilizing multiple means of enrichment for captive snakes is not yet considered a standard practice; however, captive snake keepers should consider multiform enrichment for its benefits of both physical and cognitive stimulation.
Recommended Citation
Trout, Renee, "Introduction of a Novel Food Resource And Obstacle Are Promising Enrichment Tools For The Captive Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis Calligaster)" (2024). Oral Presentations. 11.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/papers_2024/11
