Single or social housing for research animals (2008)

Scott, E., Ryder, K., Anderson, D. B.

Abstract

Traditional approaches using single housing should be discouraged where social housing is advantageous and improves animal welfare, yet is not detrimental to the scientific outcomes. .. In neuroscience, when chronic implants are used, there is concern that interaction between animals may lead to infection or implant disturbance. In the immediate postoperative period single housing may be a good option, but thereafter experience in the UK shows that social housing is possible with reduced incidence of stereotypic behavior.