Optirat Plus Standard Cage Divider with Social Holes

Social Enrichment for Singly Housed Rats

Laboratory rats are often housed individually for experimental reasons, but social isolation can cause welfare issues. According to the Guide, isolation and single housing of social species should not be considered unless justified based on experimental requirements or veterinary-related concerns for well-being. When necessary, it should be limited to the minimum period necessary; in addition, visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile contact with compatible conspecifics should be provided.

A perforated divider allows the rats to interact in terms of sight, smell, sound, and (if desired), have limited tactile contact with a cage mate. while preventing interactions that could include excessive worrying or overgrooming at permanent installations such as head caps. Providing appropriate conspecific contact for singly-housed rodents represents best practices and is looked upon favorably as a means to improve welfare for animals who must be housed by themselves. And it benefits more than just the singly-housed animals: The investigator keeps fewer cages, too. A win-win for all!

Recommendations: This divider is for use without a mezzanine. If using a mezzanine, ensure the use of the mezzanine specifically for use with a divider, and the divider that is specifically for the mezzanine (each has a slit in it to accommodate the other). This divider isn’t compatible with auto-water or with the Optirat Plus Cage Mezzanine CP79A102M

Typical products purchased with this divider are:

• Split feeder for Optirat GenII/Plus Dividers: M40022OR