New Cage Setup Procedure

Use this checklist when moving animals into a new cage. Verify the items in the first section before the move and confirm the items in the second section once the animals are in the new cage.

Before Moving Animals to a New Cage

Verify:

• IACUC protocol approval is active
• Personnel handling animals are approved on protocol
• Destination cage is labeled
• Cage contains correct food, bedding, and enrichment
• Any special husbandry requirements are documented

After Moving Animals to a New Cage

Confirm:

• All mice have been transferred to the new cage
• Food is present in the new cage
• The water lixit is working correctly
• Cage card updated
• New cage acetate placed
• Colony management database updated
• Breeding records updated
• In-lab animal census reconciled

Additional Items the Lab May Wish to Record

• Source cage number
• New cage number
• Date of transfer
• Reason for transfer
  • Weaning
  • Breeding setup
  • Experimental assignment
  • Health concern
  • Cage overcrowding

If any health concerns are noted, submit an Animal Observation Record to ULAR veterinary staff through the online portal: orapps.osu.edu/ular-med

Article ID: 151
Created: September 14, 2026
Last Updated: September 14, 2026

Online URL: https://ohiostateresearch.knowledgebase.co/article/new-cage-setup-procedure-151.html