Handling the cotton rat for research (2001)

Ward, L. E.

Abstract

General recommendations for the housing and handling of cotton rats. Cotton rats are social creatures that can readily be housed together. .. Cotton rats need environmental stimulation to avoid boredom and fighting. They will play with just about anything left within their reach. Cotton rats are more prone to jumping out of their cages than climbing out. They have a very large fight-or-flight zone, and panic when handled and bite in self-defense.