Animal Identification

Identification schemes vary according to the needs of the researcher.  Cage card identification may be adequate for many circumstances, however, more precise methods may be required when individuals within a cage need to be readily identifiable.  Ear notching is probably the most commonly used technique.  Appropriately sized, numbered  metal ear tags may also be used.  Toe clipping may only be used to identify neonates.  Temporary identification of a rat may be accomplished by dying or clipping the fur, or marking the tails with an indelible marker.  Hooded rats may be identified by their coat color pattern using photographs or drawings.  Subcutaneously implanted microchips can also be used to identify individual animals.

Rat Home | Behavior | Housing | Diet & Nutrition | Animal ID | Acclimatization |
Special Features | Reproduction | Handling | Injections | Blood | Misc |
Pain & Distress | Euthanasia | Occupational Health Concerns