Laboratorizing the wild rat (Rattus norvégiens)

Abstract

Traditional difficulties in procuring wild rats can be overcome by trapping in an unstable environment (e.g., land-fill) where the natives do not fear strange objects such as traps. Techniques for trapping, transferring to, and maintaining in the laboratory are outlined, and apparatus for handling and housing, including the breeding situation, is described. Conclusion: Simple precautions render the wild rat nearly as easy to breed and use in conventional laboratory tasks as domesticated rats. © 1971 Psychonomic Society, Inc.