Optimice Standard Cage Divider Kit with Social Holes

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.

A perforated divider allows the mice 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 teeth, and 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), installation clips and social holes. This divider isn’t compatible with auto-water.

Recommendations: An extra water bottle for the divider is required (the divider has a notch in it to hold the extra bottle).

Typical products purchased with this divider are:

• Optimice/Optirat GenII Standard Bottle and Cap: C79122P