The proper care of laboratory rodents (1997)

Lawlor, M. M.

Abstract

Valuable recommendations for the species-adequate housing and handling of rodents. The following issues are addressed for each species: Species-typical characteristics; Minimum space and cage recommendations; Proper handling. Laboratory rodents deserve the same professional care as other, perhaps more charismatic laboratory animals, because their well-being also determines the quality and reliability of scientific data collected from the. In order to design a species-appropriate and scientifically sound housing protocol it is essential to view the world with the eyes of a rat, mouse, hamster or guinea pig. It is through patient observation and a grain of humbleness that such a view can be cultivated.