Versatile collapsible rabbit cage

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Husbandry
• Laboratory Animal Science

Background:

• Conventional animal housing presents challenges in terms of space, maintenance, and cost.
• There is a need for adaptable and cost-effective housing solutions in animal research and breeding facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel, multi-functional cage system for housing and breeding rabbits and cats.
• To assess the practical benefits of the cage, including its modularity, storage efficiency, and durability.

Main Methods:

• A new cage design was developed, allowing for single-unit use or connection to form larger enclosures.
• The cage's folding mechanism for compact storage was assessed.
• The cage's suitability for various cleaning and sterilization methods (autoclaving, boiling, steaming) was evaluated.
• Comparative cost analysis of repair, maintenance, and replacement was performed against conventional cages.

Main Results:

• The cage is suitable for holding and breeding rabbits, and for short-term holding of cats.
• Single cages can be joined to create larger enclosures for rabbit breeding and longer-term cat housing.
• The cages fold into compact units, optimizing storage space and labor.
• The cage material and design allow for efficient sterilization via autoclaving, boiling, or steaming.
• The novel cage system demonstrates lower repair, maintenance, and replacement costs compared to conventional cages.

Conclusions:

• The developed cage system offers a versatile, space-saving, and cost-effective solution for housing rabbits and cats.
• Its modularity and ease of maintenance make it a practical choice for animal facilities, potentially reducing operational expenses.