Method of changing the cages of laboratory animals, and racks for use therewith

The present invention relates generally to the field of animal husbandry, and, more particularly, to an improved methods of changing and/or cleaning the cages of laboratory animals, and wheeled racks for use of practicing such improved methods. The method of changing the cage, including a bottom (), grill () and lid (), of a laboratory animal, includes the steps of: (a) providing a first rack () holding at least one clean bottom, grill and lid; (b) removing a clean bottom, grill and lid from said first rack; (c) assembling a clean cage from such bottom, grill and lid; (d) transferring a laboratory animal from a dirty cage to such assembled clean cage; (e) disassembling the dirty cage into its bottom, grill and lid components; (f) providing a second rack () having space for holding the dirty cage bottom, grill and lid components; (g) placing said dirty grill and lid on the second rack; (h) washing the dirty grill and lid while mounted on said second rack; (i) removing soiled bedding from the dirty bottom; (j) washing the bottom; (k) placing cleaned bedding in the washed bottom; and (l) placing said washed bottom with cleaned bedding on said second rack; thereby to change the cage of said laboratory animal.