Working together to improve rodent well-being (1999)

Hawkins, P.

Abstract

Highlights of the RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group reports. Barn-dried, first-cut hay is pliable enough for the transgenic mice to construct ball-shaped nests, connected chambers, and runs (paper materials are not suitable). .... When supplied with hay, gerbils become very active and chop it to a uniform size, building a structure resembling a bird's nest. Gerbils will also spend a great deal of time gnawing aspen blocks. ... While rats housed on grid or mesh floors tend to pile up in heaps while resting, rats with access to solid flooring spread out on the bedding. Modifying food hoppers by soldering metal plates over them, so that only 3% of the original area remains available, makes rats work for the retrieval of their food.