Low stress contraptions for capture of Mole-rats

[Allison Wachter]

Our zoo has 3 colonies of mole-rats on site and I'm looking for a better method of capture for weights, veterinary exams, and even just visuals on individuals.

In my mind I have the thought of a guillotine style system but this could be costly and difficult to achieve with our current set up. As of now we have PVC piping leading to larger chambers that open from above. If you get them to leave the pipes we typically block off their pipes with small lids. Naturally once you get one or two like this we are no longer able to convince the others to leave the PVC.

Anyone have any ideas or sugestions?

 

[TinoPup]

Our zoo has 3 colonies of mole-rats on site and I'm looking for a better method of capture for weights, veterinary exams, and even just visuals on individuals.

In my mind I have the thought of a guillotine style system but this could be costly and difficult to achieve with our current set up. As of now we have PVC piping leading to larger chambers that open from above. If you get them to leave the pipes we typically block off their pipes with small lids. Naturally once you get one or two like this we are no longer able to convince the others to leave the PVC.

Anyone have any ideas or sugestions?

Hi Allison, welcome! Most of us here are people who enjoy and support zoos, rather than keepers, so I'm not sure if anyone will be able to give you suggestions. Maybe there's groups on facebook that could help? I've come across ones for keepers of specific species and groups of animals on there.

 

[Aardwolf]

If you are in the US, as your post would suggest, I'd recommend that you reach out to the RIL TAG first. NMR aren't an SSP, but they are a TAG-monitored species with a designated champion who is there to answer questions such as these. I've seen some dubious advice handed out on the main zookeeper facebook groups before, and always think it's best to go straight to the most reputable sources. If you can't find the contact info for the TAG rep, feel free to shoot me a PM and I'll send it to you.

Good luck