Laboratory Animal Management: Rodents (1996)

National Research Council

Abstract

Studies have found that compatible social groups of rodents do not use all the available [barren!] space recommended in current guidelines and probably do not require it for well-being (White, 1990; White et al., 1989). .. Even if individually housed, rodents appear to prefer sheltered areas of the cage, especially if those areas have decreased light and height. Providing such a confined space within a cage might be one way to enrich the environment of rodents (p. 48).