Sharon Low-Zeddies

Sharon Low-Zeddies, Ph.D.
Falls Church, Virginia

I am a basic researcher with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience who has been working with rodents and rodent caging for about 18 years. Animal Care System’s Optimice caging system is by far the most convenient for the researcher, and the most comfortable for the animals, of any system that I have ever worked with. I am a keen observer of rodent behavior, and I am convinced that the Optimice setup affords the most naturalistic and least stressful laboratory environment possible for mice. The wedge shape of the Optimice cage, and the internal shape of the cages allows the animals to exercise a fuller range of natural nesting and climbing behavior than other rectangular configurations. I believe that the breeding efficiency of my mouse colony has been optimized by their being housed in Optimice cages.

For the user, the cages stack nicely, are durable, easily picked up with one hand, easy to secure in place on the rack as they dock to verify proper placement. The price of the caging system is competitive with others, but I think the real value lies in the breeding efficiency of the animals and the safety for both animals and users of a properly working system.

Perhaps most important has been the instant responsiveness of the team at Animal Care Systems to my suggestions for improvements to the system. I was one of the first users of the Optimice system, and in response to some initial issues with the water bottle, food hopper structures, and the cage card holders, the team at Animal Care Systems quickly remedied the situation with design improvements that eliminated any previous problems. As far as I am concerned, the Optimice system as is currently in use is completely problem free.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Animal Care Systems, and will always be happy to give them rave reviews on not only the products, but their absolutely stellar customer service.