CAGE REQUEST FAQ

Who can order cages?
Any member of the investigative staff needing cages for use in the microisolator rooms can order cages. There are pre-filled racks of cages in the green and yellow hallways available for investigator use but the ARC requests that you order cages if you will be using more than 10 at one time

What form do I use?
Use the pre-printed form labeled "Cage Request". These forms are available on this web site at (Cage Request), in the ARC main office room TB03A or outside the Manager's office in the Health Sciences Animal Facility, room EB06B.

What cage do I choose?
No matter which grouping you choose, be sure you have filled in your name, housing room, and date you are filling out the form. You can add your phone number too, so we can call you if we have questions about your order. Circle if you need the whole unit, which is complete with a cage bottom, wirebar lid and filter top, or if you need stacks of the cage bottom only. All cages come with no food(unless you specify an autoclavable diet used in your room) and you add the irradiated diet currently fed in your housing room. Write in the number needed and the date the cages are needed.

The first grouping is for Static Microisolator cages. Circle if you prefer aspen or corncob bedding. .

The second grouping is for the VENTILATED microisolator mouse cages. Specify the TYPE of cage you need for your room's ventilated rack. Circle corncob bedding. Aspen bedding does not allow enough air flow to facilitate changes every other week.

The third grouping is for Static Rat cages. Circle if you prefer corncob or aspen bedding(aspen is the usual bedding for rats).

What if I am not sure how to complete the form?
You can ask one of the Husbandry Managers or the Training Coordinator.

What if my cages are not ready when I need them?
Contact Ed Traverso at x3119. He will look into the situation and call you back as to the status of your order. Generally orders are ready in 24 hours, but if the department experiences equipment failure, there may be a slight delay.

When should I fill out the form?
As soon as you know you will have a need for a large number of cages. This allows adequate time to prepare and deliver your order.

When will my cages be ready?
ARC requests 24 hour notice for cage orders to prepare and deliver the order. If you can give more notice, please do so.

Where do completed forms go?
The bottom slot of the holder outside the manager's office. Please do not leave them in the Manager's mailboxes or in the mailbox on their door. Cage preparation personnel are trained to check the proper slot a few times a day for orders. Placing the order in the wrong place can result in a delay in filling your order.

Where will I find my completed order?
If there is a rack inside your room for cages, the cage prep personnel will leave your cages in your room. If there is no obvious spot for your cages, the cage prep personnel will leave the cages on a cart outside your room in the hall. You will be able to ID the cages as yours because your cage requisition will be taped to the cages.