Where do you go after finishing school? Do you live in a home with your family? Have you wondered where animals live? Do they also have homes? You will find answers to these questions in this blog, which covers different animal homes along with some fun facts.
Introduction to Animal Homes
Like human beings, animals also have a shelter or area called an animal home. Few animals have large homes that fulfil their basic needs, like food and water. Others live in a small space and have to travel to other places to obtain them. Different animals live in diverse habitats like trees, deserts, oceans, grasslands, etc. Some animals construct their own homes, while others live on trees.
Why do Animals Need Home?
Animal homes serve a multipurpose, namely:
- To store food
- To hide from predators
- To take rest
- To look after young ones
- To take protection during calamities
- To reproduce
Types of Animal Homes
- Nests: Birds carefully make nests using straws, dry grass, twigs and leaves. It is a place to lay eggs and raise young ones. They build it on trees, shrubs, or ground. Some birds make it inside our buildings. Examples: nests of sparrow, crow, and cuckoo
- Burrows: Burrows are generally holes that are dug underground to hide from predators. Few are very simple with a single big hole for exit. While others are complex with multiple entrances and exit points and a strong network. Rabbits, ants and foxes build burrows.
- Caves: Animals like lions, bats and bears live in caves. They are an excellent option to raise young ones and to protect themselves from harsh weather and other dangers.
- Trees and forests: Monkeys, koalas, and a few birds live on trees to feed on insects, fruits and leaves high above the ground. Trees provide shelter to stay protected from big animals and bad weather.
- Oceans and Rivers: They are home for many aquatic animals like sharks, fish, whales, dolphins, etc., who are adapted to life underwater. Few animals depend on coral reefs for food and shelter.
- Ponds and Wetlands: Ponds and wetlands have rich vegetation and provide shelter to turtles, frogs and birds. It is also an ideal habitat for breeding.
Animals and Their Unique Homes
Here is a list of animals with their unique homes:
| Animal | Name of home |
| Beaver | Lodge |
| Ant | Anthill |
| Spider | Web |
| Squirrel | Drey |
| Crab | Shell |
| Horse | Stable |
| Pig | Sty |
| Cow | Shed or barn |
| Rat | Hole |
| Honeybee | Beehive |
| Dog | Kennel |
| Hen | Coop |
| Sheep | Pen |
| Cat | Lair |
| Eagle | Eyrie |
| Hamster | Cage |
| Hawk | Hawkery |
Also read: How to expand your child’s vocabulary?
Fun Facts About Animal Homes
Animals are fascinating. Here are some surprising fun facts about animal homes:
- Bald Eagles build the largest nests that can weigh more than a tonne.
- Hummingbirds build the smallest nests in the world, which are just a few inches wide.
- Coral reefs extend in kilometres and are colourful homes that provide shelter to marine animals.
- Penguins select the smoothest stones to build their nests.
- Sea turtles bury their eggs in the sand for protection until they hatch.
- Hexagonal honeycombs are created by honeybees to store honey.
- The nests of Sociable weaver birds are large communal structures in the world.
- Alligators make their homes in holes called “gator holes.”
- The nests of Swiftlets are edible and are a part of Chinese cuisine.
- The nests of leafcutter ants contain thousands of rooms.
Conclusion
The homes of animals are unique in their own ways. They survive in a broad range of habitats and create unique homes for everyday needs. Usually kids get attached to animals and any information about them builds curiosity in them. Similarly, teaching kids about animal homes will help them know different environments and realise the amazing diversity in nature. Children at New Horizon Gurukul Pre School are taught fundamentals in a fun and engaging way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do Animals Build or Live in Specific Homes?
Animals build specific homes to store food, raise young ones, and hide from adverse weather conditions and predators.
What are the Different Types of Animal Homes?
Den, cave, hive, burrow, nest, barn, pond, sea, tree, and web are a few examples of animal homes.
How do Animals like Birds and Squirrels Build their Nests?
Squirrels and birds collect leaves, grass, twigs and barks to make their nests. They lay eggs, store food and raise young ones in the nest.
What are some Unique Homes Created by Small Creatures like Insects?
Termite mounds, spider webs, ant colonies, bee hives, silk cocoons, gall homes, and barkbeetle tunnels are some unique homes created by small creatures.
