Preferences of laboratory mice for characteristics of soiling sites (1996)

Sherwin, C. M.

Abstract

These results show that the mice defecated in localized areas and preferred to defecate in areas containing sawdust [rather than on bare plastic floors]. These results support other evidence which indicates that conventional cage designs for mice do not provide a sufficiently complex environment to allow selective soiling behaviour. Such cages might therefore be inadequate with respect to catering for the psychological needs and overall welfare of laboratory mice.