Section 312IAC9-11-11. General housing requirements and specifications

   (a) This section provides general housing requirements and specifications that apply to an animal possessed under this rule.

  (b) Unless otherwise specified in the permit, a cage or enclosure must be completely enclosed.

  (c) Wild animals that are compatible with one another may be held in the same enclosure if the required floor space is provided.

  (d) Common walls between animals that are not compatible must be constructed so the animals cannot gain access to each other.

  (e) All mammals must have a den or nest box.

  (f) Dens shall be large enough to ensure that each animal contained therein has sufficient space to:

(1) turn about freely; and

(2) make normal postural adjustments.

  (g) If sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort to an animal, sufficient shade shall be provided to protect any animal kept outdoors from direct sunlight.

  (h) If the ambient air temperature falls below that needed for good health of the animal, an artificial heat source must be provided that is sufficient to maintain the required ambient air temperature.

  (i) If a pool of water is required or used, the floor space occupied by the pool is in addition to the required minimum floor space, unless otherwise specified in the license.

  (j) Night quarters, holding pens, and nesting boxes may not be used as primary housing.

  (k) All chain link or welded wire edges shall be smoothly secured to prevent injury to the animals.

  (l) If a cage is required to be constructed of mesh, unless otherwise specified, the mesh shall be made from welded or woven steel wire or an equivalent material. The floor of such a cage need not be constructed of mesh. Any equivalent strength material may be used.

  (m) An enclosure must be provided with sufficient drainage to prevent standing water from accumulating.

  (n) If a concrete floor is specified in a permit, either wood plank flooring or a natural substrate may be used to cover the concrete.

  (o) Animal areas must be provided a regular diurnal lighting cycle of either natural or artificial light. Indoor housing facilities shall have ample lighting, by natural or artificial means, or both, of good quality, distribution, and duration as appropriate for the species involved. Such lighting shall be uniformly distributed and of sufficient intensity to permit routine inspection and cleaning. Lighting of primary enclosures shall be designed to protect the animals from excessive illumination. (Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-11-11; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2740; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Feb 28, 2014, 8:01 a.m.: 20140326-IR-312130024FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA)