Preferences of farmed blue foxes for platforms, nestbox and cage floor

Authors

• Hannu Korhonen Agricultural Research Centre of Finland, Fur Farming Research Station, FIN-69100 Kannus, Finland
• Paavo Niemelä Agricultural Research Centre of Finland, Fur Farming Research Station, FIN-69100 Kannus, Finland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72718

Abstract

A preference test system was devised to assess the preferences of farm-raised, juvenile blue foxes for six various types of resting platforms, including nestbox roof, and for nestbox and cage floor. The results showed that platform use was low since the test foxes preferred the cage floor. The amount of previous individual platform usage did not affect preference. However, foxes originating from groups with a high amount of previous platform use also had the highest amount of platform usage in the test situation. Of all the platforms, the nestbox roof was preferred the most. Although the location of the platform in the present test situation was found to affect preference, it was difficult to finally separate the real effects of platform location and type. No relationship was found between temperature and use of the platforms or nestbox. On the basis of the present results we may conclude that platforms are not actually necessary for foxes during winter period.