A hide box is 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 of humans or activity when they are kept in a captive situation. Most of these animals benefit 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, or ceramic. Something easy to clean and sterilize is preferred. While an actual box can be constructed, hide boxes may also be shaped like natural caves, 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 for birds to breed in. This provides both protection from predators (for endangered species) as well as protection from the elements.
Famous quotes containing the words hide and/or box:
“Journey to Gethsemane, go and feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch the anguish of this hour;
Do not hide or turn away: learn from Jesus how to pray.”
—James Montgomery (1771–1854)
“It all ended with the circuslike whump of a monstrous box on the ear with which I knocked down the traitress who rolled up in a ball where she had collapsed, her eyes glistening at me through her spread fingers—all in all quite flattered, I think. Automatically, I searched for something to throw at her, saw the china sugar bowl I had given her for Easter, took the thing under my arm and went out, slamming the door.”
—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)