The rat floor pen: Fact or fantasy? Animal Technology 52, 33-34 (2001)

Morrison, P.

Abstract

Rats in [enriched] floor pens have better body condition and appear cleaner [than animals housed in cages]. They are also much more inquisitive and friendly than caged rats and come out when the technicians do their morning checks, because they appear less fearful of human and want to interact with them. Aggression between rats is also decreased when they are housed in pens - no fights have been observed in a year. ... We feel that the floor pen offers many advantages for the animals besides increasing job satisfaction for the technicians.