Development of a sifting cage change method for rats to improve welfare (2020)

Henderson, S.

Abstract

Normally during a cage change a small handful of dirty bedding is placed into the clean cage but I felt this was not enough to comfort the rats. After trialling a few methods I finally came up with a sieve as the best tool for the job. The technique can be easily adopted with minimal cost, saving on consumables and is good for the environment but the biggest impact has been on the rats themselves, they are so calm and naturally inquisitive, instead of hiding for cover when I enter the room.