Animal Care
Rats & Mice
Each cage should be labeled with all necessary information. This includes: the colony the animal came from, any medications given and surgery date, dates of breeding. Labels are available in the animal colony or from your Advisor. Once a student (comp or jr. sem.) puts their name on a cage they become responsible for the care of the animal and disposing of the animal when the project is complete.
Clean cages 2-3 times a week
*change bedding 2x a week
*wash cage with bleach water 1x week
Fresh water daily
*water bottles should be washed with soap and bleach 1x week
*antibiotic water must be made fresh DAILY!!!!
Empty cages and lids should be washed out. Do Not leave dirty bedding in empty cages.
Frogs & Turtles
Label tanks.
Cold room animals—change water weekly.
Refill water container.
Xenopus frogs
Change water weekly.
Feed 3x week 3-4 pellets per frog.
Fish
Label tanks.
Clean tank and filters as needed.
Feed daily.
Refill water containers.
Keep tank water level above safety level for heaters.
Stream tanks
Keep drains clear.
Refill green holding tank as needed.
Points to Note:
Dead animals should be disposed of promptly and properly per Advisor’s instructions.
General rules: If you empty it, you fill it; If you dirty it, you clean it.
If you see an animal not being taken care of, let someone know before it dies.
Keep doors to amphibian cold room and animal colony locked AT ALL TIMES.
Once your name is on the cage/tank, it is your responsibility.