Hide box

For collapsible boxes on Wikipedia, seeTemplate:Hidden.

Hide boxes on free monkey's islands at the São Paulo Zoo

Ahide boxis a box placed in an animal's enclosure which allows it to hide from view.

Many species of animals are easily stressed by the presence ofhumansor activity when they are kept in a captive situation. Most of theseanimalsbenefit from having a hiding area in their enclosure, where they can retreat from view and feel secure.

Hide boxes can be made of a variety of materials: wood, plastic, cardboard, orceramic.Something easy to clean and sterilize is preferred. While an actual box can be constructed, hide boxes may also be shaped like naturalcaves,fallen logs or bark, or tunnels. In general, a hide box should be large enough for the animal to fit into completely and comfortably, but small enough that the animal within it can feel the walls and ceiling close around it.

Hide boxes may also be placed high in trees, as homes forbirdstobreedin. This provides both protection frompredators(forendangered species) as well as protection from the elements.