How should a rat be stored? - briefly
Store the rat in a secure, ventilated cage with appropriate bedding, maintain ambient temperature around 20‑24 °C, and clean the enclosure regularly. Provide fresh water, balanced food, and handle the animal gently with gloves to minimize stress.
How should a rat be stored? - in detail
Proper housing for a rat requires a cage that meets size, material, and security standards. The enclosure should provide at least 0.5 ft² of floor space per animal, with a minimum height of 12 inches to allow standing and climbing. Wire mesh cages must have bar spacing no larger than ½ inch to prevent escape and injury. Solid‑bottom cages are acceptable if lined with absorbent bedding; however, wire‑bottom designs should be avoided because they can cause foot lesions.
Bedding material must be low‑dust, non‑allergenic, and capable of retaining moisture without molding. Common options include aspen shavings, paper pulp, or compressed cellulose. Replace bedding completely at least once weekly; spot‑clean soiled areas daily to maintain hygiene and reduce ammonia levels.
Environmental conditions should remain within defined ranges: ambient temperature between 68–76 °F (20–24 °C), relative humidity 40–60 %, and a 12‑hour light/dark cycle. Provide at least one enrichment item such as a chew block, tunnel, or nesting material to satisfy natural foraging and gnawing behaviors.
Nutrition requires continuous access to a balanced rodent diet formulated for laboratory use, supplemented with fresh water provided via a sipper bottle or bottle tip that prevents spillage. Inspect water sources daily for contamination and replace as needed.
Health monitoring includes weekly visual inspections for signs of respiratory distress, skin lesions, or abnormal behavior. Maintain a record of weight, food consumption, and any veterinary interventions. Quarantine new arrivals for a minimum of 14 days before introduction to an established colony to prevent disease transmission.
Cleaning protocol: remove all animals from the cage, discard used bedding, wash the cage with a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and disinfect with an approved agent (e.g., 1 % bleach solution) for at least 10 minutes. Allow complete drying before returning animals and adding fresh bedding.
Legal and ethical compliance mandates adherence to institutional animal care guidelines, such as the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and any relevant national regulations. Documentation of cage dimensions, environmental parameters, and health checks must be retained for inspection.