ENVIRONMENT (cont)
Rats should never be crowded in cages because crowding stresses animals and causes fighting. The "Guide" recommends for rats a cage height of 7 inches (17.8 cm) and the floor area within a cage as follows;
| Weight (g) | Area (sq in) | Area (sq cm) |
|---|---|---|
| up to 100 | 17 | 109.6 |
| up to 200 | 23 | 148.35 |
| up to 300 | 29 | 187.05 |
| up to 400 | 40 | 258.0 |
| up to 500 | 60 | 387.0 |
You should refer to the "Guide" for additional recommendations for larger animals and females with litters to meet performance standards.