Practical rodent enrichment (1999)

Leach, M. C., Ambrose, N., Morton, D. B.

Abstract

We have designed and evaluated two forms of rodent enrichment: (1) Floor feeding, where in addition to the standard diet present in the cage hopper, other food is mixed into the cage substrate; (2) A cage insert, which incorporates a number of enrichments into a solid insert, which can be easily slotted into a standard cage without modification. The insert includes raised platforms linked by contoured ramps and a built-in shelter. ...[Floor feeding] appears to promote natural feeding, foraging and exploratory behaviour without affecting body weight gain. The cage insert increased the animals' level of choice as to where to go and how to behave.