The modification of traditional caging for experimental laboratory rabbits and assessment by behavioural study (2000)

Gerson, P.

Abstract

The caging was modified by linking pairs, (and later trios), of cages vertically by means of ramps, which gave the rabbits [single or paired] extra space, and a more interesting environment. Each cage had two levels which encouraged the rabbits to use us the ramps and promote a form of exercise that wasn't available in traditional caging. Environmental diversity was offered by the availability of two different floor surfaces in each cage; a plastic grid on the lower level and a substrate of sawdust on the higher level. The 15 test animals were more contented in the modified caging than they were in the traditional caging.