Which rodent has a guideline stating that either sex should be housed alone?

Which rodent has a guideline stating that either sex should be housed alone?

• A. Hamsters
• B. Mice
• C. Gerbils
• D. Rats

Answer: (A)

Social behavior and housing guidelines differ by rodent species, reflecting how they live in the wild. Hamsters are highly territorial and typically solitary as adults; they can injure or kill cage mates, so many lab guidelines specify housing each hamster alone regardless of sex. This solitary housing helps prevent fighting and protects welfare. In contrast, mice, rats, and gerbils are generally social and are commonly kept in same‑sex groups or pairs under standard conditions, with monitoring for any emerging aggression. So the species that is guidelineed toward housing either sex alone is hamsters.

Social behavior and housing guidelines differ by rodent species, reflecting how they live in the wild. Hamsters are highly territorial and typically solitary as adults; they can injure or kill cage mates, so many lab guidelines specify housing each hamster alone regardless of sex. This solitary housing helps prevent fighting and protects welfare. In contrast, mice, rats, and gerbils are generally social and are commonly kept in same‑sex groups or pairs under standard conditions, with monitoring for any emerging aggression. So the species that is guidelineed toward housing either sex alone is hamsters.