Housing and welfare in laboratory rats: The welfare implications of social isolation and social contact among females (1998)

Hurst, J. L., Barnard, C. J., Nevison, C. M. et al.

Abstract

Social deprivation seems to have a less adverse impact on females than on males. In particular, singletons showed a less marked increase in self-directed behaviours, particularly tail chasing, and a smaller reduction in undirected movement around the cage. This smaller reduction in mobility may reflect a greater tendency for singly housed females to attempt escape.