Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook, 2nd Edition (2002)

Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)

Abstract

Animals should be housed in a manner that facilitates the expression of species-typical behavior and minimizes stress-induced behaviors. for social species, housing systems should be designed to accomodate pair or group housing of animals. .. Cages should (1) allow for conspecific social interaction within or between enclosures .. and observation fo animals with minimal disturbance of them; (2) provide a safe and secure environment that permits the normal [sic] physiologic and behavioral needs of the animals to be expressed. .. Unsealed wood may be acceptable for use as perches or other climbing structures, resting areas .. but wooden itmes need to be replaced periodically because of wear, damge, and to achieve adequate sanitization. .. The cage must provide sufficient space so that, at a minimum, the animal can turn around and express normal postural adjustments. The animal must [sic] have sufficient clean and unobstructed space to move and rest in. .. Use of wire bottom cages is discouraged for rodents, especially on long-term studies or in larger and older animals, as it may cause foot injury. Use of wire bottom cages should be scientifically justified and approved by the IACUC.