Environmental enrichment: Shelter and nesting material for rodents and rabbits; bedding for rodents (2007)

LAREF [Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum]

Abstract

The needs for a shelter and nesting material of mice and rats are quite different. Building their own nests is almost a must for mice, and the nest will then also be used as a retreat. For rats, access to a solid shelter has high priority, and a nest will be constructed in it when the appropriate material is available; if it is not available, an unfurnished shelter will do. The general well-being of hamsters and guinea pigs is dependent to a great extent on hiding from humans. Rabbits tend to use shelters more as look-outs than dark refuges. In group-housed rabbits, such refuges can help avoid aggressive chases. Paper-based substrate seems to provide the most appropriate bedding for mice and for rats.