Rat & Lab Animal Cages
Perotech presents our lab animal cages designed and built in North America. We represent Alternative Design & Animal Care Systems and ParkBIO who have joined up to provide the most comprehensive array of mice cages, rodent environments and lab animal housing. If you don’t see it here on these pages, no problem, with extensive stainless steel and polypropylene shops they’ll make it!
Rat Racks and Cages
Fully Loaded C76601 Rack
Optirat® GenII System
The Optirat® GenII IVC rack system features an exceptionally small footprint and the highest density housing, the highest in the industry. Animals are fully protected in our cages, and odors and allergens are contained.
Our unique carousel design is based on our patented direct exhaust ventilation technology, free from motors, noise, and vibration. This original technology creates a low-stress, non-variable environment, ideal for housing and breeding laboratory rodents such as rats, mice, and other rodents.
Optirat® GenII Laboratory Rodent Cages have internal water bottles that can be mounted at three different levels to accommodate laboratory rodents of various sizes. A variety of accessories are available to accommodate various experiments and increase animal welfare.
This unique IVC rack is trusted by scientists, veterinarians, managers, and technicians worldwide for its proven ability to optimize research while protecting caretakers and providing an ideal microenvironment for the rats and other rodents.
OPTIONS:
- Auto Water Valves, Avidity, Lane, SE
- Mounted or Quick Release
Cage Bottom C83510P
Options available to suit and enhance your research:
+ Cage mounted auto water valves
+ Flap grommet for rack mounted valves
+ Cage divider kits
+ Rack Lighting
+ Perforated and Wire Bar Cage Floors
+ Booster Fans
+ Water bag holders
+ Top with feed port
+ Wire bar cage tops
+ GenII J-Feeder
+ Air Flow and Static Pressure Gauges
+ Air Velocity Measuring Device
+ Vibration Pad Isolators
Optirat® Plus System
The Optirat® Plus IVC rack system features an exceptionally small footprint and the highest density housing, the highest in the industry. Animals are fully protected in our cages, and odors and allergens are contained.
Our unique carousel design is based on our patented direct exhaust ventilation technology, free from motors, noise, and vibration. This original technology creates a low-stress, non-variable environment, ideal for housing and breeding laboratory rodents such as rats, mice, and other rodents.
Optirat® Plus Laboratory Rodent Cages are among the tallest in the industry and allow rats to perform natural behaviors and postures. The optional mezzanine shelf increases cage capacity and adds cage complexity. The feeder can be mounted at the front or the side for increased visibility. A variety of accessories are available to accommodate various experiments and increase animal welfare. External water bottles or auto-water options are available.
This unique IVC rack is trusted by scientists, veterinarians, managers, and technicians worldwide for its proven ability to optimize research while protecting caretakers and providing an ideal microenvironment for the rats and other rodents.
This spacious rodent cage allows the housing of larger groups and fewer single animals. The wide interior enables additional intra-cage enrichment like shelters and allows rats to express natural behaviors, as well as to stand upright, enhancing well-being. The mezzanine increases floor space and adds complexity to the cage environment.
Why choose Optirat Plus?
Optirat Plus System’s unique motor-free carousel design provides the highest and most ergonomic cage density. With it’s extended top it gives cage height the animals require for their reach and stretch behaviour.
Our microenvironments are free of noise, vibration, and ultrasound. Our patented airflow system directs and filters room air through the cages and racks directly into the building’s HVAC exhaust system. This system creates a calm, laminar airflow that provides an environment ideal for housing, experiments, and breeding.
Our pie-shaped cage has been enhancing rodent life since 1997. Results obtained from Animal Care Systems cages are reliable, advantageous, and trouble-free.
Only cage we know of where filtered room air gently enters the front of the cage and exits the rear; taking with it allergens, odours and excess vapor. A dryer cage is a happy cage. Since the rack is hooked up to the room exhaust the cages are kept at a negative pressure to the technician occupants. There is no need for motorized, electrical or electronic devices close to your lab animals.
Features include:
- Frame made from 304 stainless steel
- The Single Sided Mobile Frame holds between 25-36 Rat cages and Double Sided between 48-72 Rat cages.
- Frame includes upper main supply and exhaust plenums
- Plenums are made from 22 gauge stainless steel and are removable for cleaning
- Frame sits on 4 rugged 5″ casters with zerks, 2 of which have brakes
- Frames and the plenum are both autoclavable
- One round tube handle on each end within frame for hand protection
- Available in your choice of 2 cage stack heights – 6 or 5 high
MACS Rat Single and Double Sided Mobile Frame Ventilated Caging System
The Modular Animal Caging System (M.A.C.S.) ventilated caging system for rodents adapts to your animal room needs. With MACS, you can:
- Increase Cage Density
- Create Space
- Improve Workflow
The MACS frame holds the vertical cage stacks in place and also the air handling units. There are several framework styles that can be used on this system including the rotary, wall mount and mobile, both single-sided and double-sided. The frame is made from 1″ square stainless steel tubing. Each frame holds the main supply and exhaust plenums. Mobile frames have four autoclavable casters, two with locking brakes.
Change from a mouse IVC rack to a rat, large mouse or hamster IVC system without buying all new equipment. Another advantage of MACS is that it can change as your rodent research needs change. If your demand changes from mice to rats, with the MACS modular IVC you can quickly and easily change from mice to rats without having to purchase all new equipment. Several of the MACS frames have the ability to hold mice, rats or large mice cage stacks. You can intermix stacks on the same frame.
The MACS Mobile Single Sided Frame holds between 25-36 Rat cages. The frame includes upper main supply and exhaust plenums. The plenums are made from 22 gauge stainless steel and are removable for cleaning. This mobile frame sits on 4 rugged 5″ casters with zerks, 2 of which have brakes. One round tube handle on each end within frame for hand protection. The frames and the plenum are both autoclavable. Available in your choice of 2 cage stack heights – 6 or 5 high.
The MACS Mobile Double Sided Frame holds between 48-72 Rat cages. The frame includes upper main supply and exhaust plenums. The plenums are made from 22 gauge stainless steel and are removable for cleaning. This mobile frame sits on 4 rugged 5″ casters with zerks, 2 of which have brakes. One round tube handle on each end within frame for hand protection. The frames and the plenum are both autoclavable. Available in your choice of 2 cage stack heights – 6 or 5 high.
Rat Plastic Cage
This full size cage was designed for rats and pairs of rats of various sizes with a 141 square inch floor. Available in your choice of 2 plastic resins – Polycarbonate (PC) or Polysulfone (UD).
141 square inch floor space
Full size cage designed for rats and pairs of rats of various sizes
Polycarbonate – Part # – RC88D-PC
Polysulfone – Part # – RC88D-UD
Floor Space – 141 square inch floor, 909.7 sq. cm floor
Cage Dimensions – 10.25″ W x 18.75″ D x 8″ H, 26.0 cm W x 47.6 cm D x 20.3 cm H
Case Quantity – 10 cages
Rat Vent Filter Cage Top
Designed for use with our Large Mouse, Rat or Hamster cage bottoms, this ventilated filter cage top has two spring loaded flap doors. Comes with one sheet of Reemay filter paper already installed. Available in your choice of 3 plastic resins – Polycarbonate (PC), Polysulfone (UD) or Low Color Polysulfone (UDC).
Available in 3 plastic resins – Polycarbonate (PC), Polysulfone (UD) or Low Color Polysulfone (UDC)
Comes with 1 sheet of Reemay Filter Paper
Two spring loaded flap ports.
Made specifically for the Rat, Large Mouse and Hamster Ventilated Rack System
Polysulfone – Part # – VTA8X-UD
Low Color Polysulfone – Part # – VTA8X-UDC
Case Quantity – 10 tops
Keeping The Rat Room Floor Clear Of Castors For Easy Cleaning
MACS Rat Wall Mount Expansion Frame Ventilated Caging System
The Modular Animal Caging System (M.A.C.S.) ventilated caging system for rodents adapts to your animal room needs.
The MACS frame holds the vertical cage stacks in place and also the air handling units. There are several framework styles that can be used on this system including the rotary, wall mount and mobile, both single-sided and double-sided. The frame is made from 1″ square stainless steel tubing. Each frame holds the main supply and exhaust plenums. Mobile frames have four autoclavable casters, two with locking brakes.
Change from a mouse IVC rack to a rat, large mouse or hamster IVC system without buying all new equipment. Another advantage of MACS is that it can change as your rodent research needs change. If your demand changes from mice to rats, with the MACS modular IVC you can quickly and easily change from mice to rats without having to purchase all new equipment. Several of the MACS frames have the ability to hold mice, rats or large mice cage stacks. You can intermix stacks on the same frame.
The MACS Wall Mount Expansion Frame holds between 12-30 additional Rat cages when connected to a main frame for air supply. The frame assembly has an upper mounting rail with brackets to hold the upper plenums. A lower mounting rail holds the cage stack bottom support. It also has a protective bumper rail. Frame includes upper main supply and exhaust plenums. This assembly includes the upper plenums coupling which connects the expansion frame plenums to the main frame plenums for supply and exhaust air to the cages. It also includes the plenums coupling support. Appropriate hardware for installation is included. Available in your choice of 2 cage stack heights – 6 or 5 high.
Halcyon Air Tower Air Delivery System
Halcyon Air is the new name in air handling systems. This ground breaking new product has been engineered and manufactured to meet global guidelines for maintaining a healthy rodent micro-environment within individually ventilated cages (IVC).
It includes supply & exhaust blowers in a single slim cabinet for a small footprint. Built on casters for easy maneuverability, it also features quick and easy access to pre-filters. It was designed to be energy efficient (using as little as 30W) with zero rack vibration to minimize the impact on the animals.
The Halcyon Air Tower has a capacity of up to 320 mouse cages while controlling air changes per hour based on the number of cages and cage type (Ultra-Air, Max 75, Dura Cage, Flex-Air, etc.). The summary screen displays the current cage pressure, air flow, cage type and filter capacity readings of both supply & exhaust. Navigate to the options menu to change airflow or cage style, check your filter status or battery backup settings or additional options.
The Halcyon Air Tower is on the cutting edge of technology with a LED touch-screen display and the Safe Guard wireless remote monitoring system, including text (SMS) notifications sent directly to your mobile device. A web-based application (no download required) allows you to monitor the status of your tower from anywhere using your Internet connected device (desktop, laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.).
The Halcyon Air Tower was engineered with an eye on the future needs of your facility. Simple firmware updates (via USB) will allow for upgrades and new development such as wireless control of multiple towers from the Safe Guard Wireless Monitoring System.
Choose which of three Halcyon Air Tower models best meets the needs of your facility – Standard, Enhanced (with distress alert) or Premium (with distress alert and battery back-up).
- Balanced airflow
- Serviceable plug and play electronics
- LED touch screen display
- Screen saver settings with custom dimming
- Mouse cage capacity of 320 cages (at lower air changes per hour)
- New fan technology
- Noise level below 46db
- Local on screen error code diagnostics
- Filter loading indicators
- Integral molded-in pen holder
- Connects to building exhaust
- Display air changes per hour (ACH)
- Supplies 30-80 air changes per hour selectable by cage type used
- Both positive isolation or negative containment operation
- Displays temperature and humidity readings of supply and exhaust
- Historic performance data collection on internal memory and external USB drive – chartable reporting data
- Energy efficient as it uses as little as 30 watts of energy consumption
- Easy access to pre-filters
- Connect to wired building maintenance systems including remote alarm systems
- Rack Accessory Kit (hoses) to connect the Halcyon Air Tower air delivery system to ventilated caging systems.
MACS Dual Fan Supply & Exhaust Air Handling Unit
This dual fan top mounted supply & exhaust air handling unit draws supply air from the room and is HEPA filtered before entering the rodent cages. HEPA filtered exhaust from the rack and individual cages is then returned to the room. This air handling unit supplies HEPA filtered air for up to 160 mouse cages or 60 rat cages. It can also be vented towards room exhaust port. Can be mounted on top of a rack or fastened to a wall.
Features include:
- Versatile top-mounted air handling unit that works with all frames and cages on the Modular Animal Caging System (M.A.C.S.)
- Provides greatest control & balance between the supply & exhaust fans to maintain desired positive or negative mode and consistent air changes per hour (ACH) to cages
- No need to re-balance HVAC system if you remove a rack from service
- Exhaust fan automatically shuts off if the supply fan fails so the rack will not go to negative pressure
- Easy touch screen programming to change air changes per hour (ACH) and from positive to negative pressure
- Easy access to both pre-filters and HEPA filters
- Visual and audible alarms if insufficient airflow is detected
- Plug-in port for remote monitoring capability
- On/Off switch with a removable power cord socket
- Air handling unit and HEPA filters are not autoclavable
Custom Rat Play Pen
Custom rat enrichment cage constructed of stainless steel mesh with framing. All panels including the ceiling, ramp, and shelves are constructed of SS mesh with framing. Solid top, back and sides.
Standard features include:
- 1/2″ x 1/2″ stainless steel square wire mech
- 3 Feeders
- 1 Litter Pan
- Ramps can be unsecured at the base point of attachment and raised to isolate the levels
Part number: RC-36X20X30
Overall Dimensions: 36″W x 20″D x 30″H
- Alternative Design’s stainless steel ferret housing units provide up to a full 5 square feet of floor area in an open style design with excellent visibility and ventilation.
- Long lasting with a durable stainless steel cage and frame
- Open design for better ventilation and visibility
- Made from 304 stainless steel including the frame, feeders and pans
- Autoclavable
- Side and back panels have solid lower with wire rod upper section for more light and visibility with better ventilation
- J feeder and 32 oz. external mount water bottle
- Removable polypropylene floors for animal comfort and quieter housing
- Clean or disinfect up to 180 F
- Swing up divider panel within cage for breeder units
- Unique circle latch easy open and secure close for convenience
- Urine deflector on door as well as all other walls
- 5” Stainless steel swivel casters, 2 with brakes
6-Cage Rack Dimensions – 45″ W x 24″ D x 75″ H
Cage Dimensions – 20″ W x 18″ D x 18″ H
Rabbit Housing
Alternative Design’s stainless steel rabbit housing units provide up to a full 6 square feet of floor area in an open style design with excellent visibility and ventilation.
- Long lasting with a durable stainless steel cage and frame
- Open design for better ventilation and visibility
Made from 304 stainless steel including the frame, feeders and pans - 6 individual cages with 6 square feet per cage
- Autoclavable
- Side and back panels have solid lower with wire rod upper section for more light and visibility with better ventilation
- J feeders and stainless steel litter pans
- Removable polypropylene floors for animal comfort and quieter housing
- Clean or disinfect up to 180 F
- Swing up divider panel within cage for breeder units
- Unique circle latch easy open and secure close for convenience
- Urine deflector on door as well as all other walls
- 5” Stainless steel swivel casters, 2 with brakes
- Automated watering system with a stainless steel manifold
Optional features include:
- Stainless steel flooring for autoclavable requirements
- Stainless steel manual flush system
- Removable resting bench
Tree Shrew Housing
Alternative Design’s tree shrew 4-cage housing unit features 4 removable cages per unit. Plexiglass covers the back of the caging unit to help keep the facility walls clean. While the entire front panel of this unit is removable, you may choose to access the inside of the cage through the smaller swinging-style door. To help in capturing the tree shrews, technicians may use the two-handled crowding wall (handles are removable). Each cage includes a resting board, a removable nesting tube and a litter pan. The entire unit is mobile and rests on four 5 inch casters, two of which have brakes.
Standard features include:
- Made from PVC coated stainless steel mesh
- Four removable cages per unit
- Unit back made from plexiglass to protect facility walls
- Entire front panel is removable with smaller swinging style door that offers access inside the cage
- Four-handled crowding wall (with removable handles) to help capture the tree shrews
- Cages include resting board plus removable nesting tube with a twist lock to hold it in place on the front of the cage
- Includes removable litter pan
- Dimensions – 24″ W x 30″ D x 80″ H
Also available as two cage Marmoset housing.
Feline Enrichment Cage
Custom feline enrichment cage constructed of stainless steel mesh with framing. All panels including the ceiling, ramp, and shelves are constructed of SS mesh with framing. Front panel includes a hinged door panel with latches. Door panel has two 1/2 panels so the top or bottom may be opened independently of each other. Removable litter pan.
The (3) mesh shelves are 12″ x 54″. The ramp is 6″ x 62 1/2″ and sits diagonally across the cage.
Overall Dimensions: 54.5″W x 29″D x 74.75″H
Scientific Instruments, Equipment and Supplies for the Advanced Technologies, Research and Discovery.
