Rx for mice: Take enrichment and call me in the morning (2005)

Gaskin, N.

Abstract

In a first phase, the effectiveness of several enrichment devices was evaluated: flavored nylon chew bones, colored tunnels, igloo shaped houses, and a life-sized rubber mouse. Mice, whether alone or in a group, had constant interaction with the houses.... I continued to observe the mice for eight additional weeks and noted no adverse effects on mice placed with a house. Mice that were previously barbered appeared to be regrowing hair. The fighting that commonly takes place when a new male is introduced into an established group containing a male stopped when a house was placed. Mice appeared to do less circling, obsessive grooming and fighting, and to be more purposefully active.These observations suggest that the use of these houses for mouse environmental enrichment is a positive and humane addition to many research protocols.