Date of Award
8-1990
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Roger E. Ulrich
Second Advisor
Dr. Marilyn Kay Malott
Third Advisor
Dr. Dale Brethower
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study was an experimental analysis of: (a) housing preference of laboratory pigeons and, (b) the effects of housing on laboratory rat health. Pigeon preference between containment cages and fly cages was determined on the basis of exit time from the containment cage to the fly cage. Rat health was determined by the departmental veterinarian. The rats were exposed to traditional and alternative methods of housing.
The findings from this study indicate that (a) on the basis of pigeons' preferences concerning size, it may be more appropriate to house pigeons in fly cages; and (b) alternative methods of care and housing for laboratory rats may be more appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort more so than traditional methods.
It was concluded that researchers should immediately move toward modifying current housing and care methods.
Recommended Citation
Schmorrow, Dylan David, "Research and Theory on the Housing and Care of Laboratory Pigeons and Rats" (1990). Masters Theses. 1080.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1080