Do male mice prefer or avoid each other's company? Influence of hierarchy, kinship, and familiarity (2001)

Van Loo, P. L. P., de Groot, A. C., Van Zuthpen, B. F. M. et al.

Abstract

Experiments that allowed male mice with different histories to choose either an inhabited or an empty cage have shown that the mice preferred the proximity [separated by wire mesh or Perspex wall with holes] of another male over individual housing. .. The study concludes that separation and single housing for mice are not attractive solutions for overcoming aggression in group-housed male mice and that alternative approaches, such as improving the housing conditions, should be explored as a way of tempering intermale aggression.