Designing PVC Feeders for Carnivores

Creating opportunities for natural feeding strategies for carnivores can be complicated to implement in dynamic naturalistic environments.  Brainstorming effective strategies for carcass cleaning behaviors led us to create themed rib cage and bone feeders made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Remember to use your facilities approval process, consider any safety parameters, and make alterations to any enrichment strategy based on the needs of the individual animal before implementing enrichment.

Turning PVC into a rib cage feeder

PVC has the durability to withstand large felid paw and jaw strength and vulture beak strength (dependent on the schedule) and can be cut and formed into appropriate shapes. A large diameter round of PVC already has the shape of a rib cage and can be cut into the shape of a rib cage complete with backbone, ribs, and sternum. A heat gun at 1100 degrees allowed the various components to be bent into a more natural shape. Follow your institutions safety protocols when developing enrichment. Paint is the finishing touch to give the illusion of bones.

Rib Cage and Bone Feeders Designed for Vultures

We initially created a 3D printed rib cage feeder for use with vultures, but it was hard to adapt for our exact needs, so we created several different feeders made from PVC instead.  Along with PVC rib cages, even more PVC femur like bones were created and effectively utilized for encouraging natural feeding behaviors with vultures.

Creating Rib Cage Feeders for Cheetah

For cheetah, a 12” round of schedule 40 PVC  was determined to be the appropriate size and durability. Cheetah maneuver their feet, head, and teeth, in and around the various obstacles to lick and bite to obtain the food.  Placing food in the feeders slowed down the consumption process. To increase the complexity further, a variety of different inserts were created that could be bolted to the “spine.” These different inserts are used like a slow or puzzle feeder with different recessed or raised shapes that add to the challenge of getting the food.   

Adapting the Rib Cage Feeder for Larger Felids

Tigers were also successfully able to use rib cage feeders made from the 12” round of schedule 40 PVC.  Hanging these has added to the behavioral challenge of retrieving and consuming the food from the feeder.

Lions, however, required a larger and more durable (schedule 80) version of feeders. Along with rib cages, even more PVC bones were created including this PVC “scapula” to encourage additional carcass cleaning behaviors.