Rat Colony 2024

Proposal

Colony is to be a stable population of less than 50 rats.

Animals will be sourced at pet quality or higher.

Animals will be housed in modified Sterilite bins, 40q or larger.

Bedding will be largely replaced every 3 days. At least 70% of bedding is to be changed, with 30%-10% of old bedding retained for home scenting purposes. Additional bedding changes will occur if bedding is wet or excessively soiled.

Cages are to be emptied and sanitized every 3 weeks, or more frequently if excessively soiled.

Initial housing will be male/female pairs.

Mothers will be removed from litters at 28 days of age. Male and female littermates will be seperated by 35 days of age.

Reference Links

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Last Accessed 20 Mar 2024

Boston University: Rodent Breeding: Rats Last Accessed 20 Mar 2024