Placeholder

Optimice Stainless Steel Cage Divider Kit without Social Holes, shared access

Social Enrichment for Singly Housed Mice

Laboratory mice are often housed individually due to aggressive interactions or 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.

This opaque, non-gasketed divider allows the mice to interact in terms of smell and sound, while preventing interactions that could include teeth, or 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!

This divider comes as a kit and includes the feeder specifically for the divider (Product # C40102). This divider is compatible with auto-water and is notched at the back end so that mice on both sides of the divider can access the valve.

Recommendations: Sometimes our customers find it necessary to interrupt a direct line of sight between mice, especially aggressive males.

(previously known as Stainless Steel Divider: Kissing Cousins)

Add to Quote

• Compatible with all mouse cage bottoms, including auto-water
• Add social enrichment to isolated mice

Material:
Divider: 304L Stainless Steel
Feeder: 304L Stainless Steel

Menu