Frequently Asked Questions
Will ALPHA-dri® dispense in my equipment?
Short answer: Yes!
If you’re currently using pelleted paper or corncob, some adjustments will be needed — but it’s absolutely doable. In fact, its been done at some of the largest Universities in the United States.
Think of it like dispensing soda vs. ice cream: same type of machine, different consistency, small changes required to effectively get the product out. ALPHA-dri® is lighter and less dense than corncob or pelleted recycled paper, so your equipment just needs a little fine-tuning.
💡 We’re here to help with that. Our team will evaluate your current cage-filling system and guide you through any adjustments needed.
Let’s make it easy.
👉 Enter your email to get equipment guidance tailored to your setup.
Why don't you offer corncob bedding as an option?
As a company dedicated to advancing biomedical research, we believe that offering products that align with the highest scientific standards is essential. We are committed to providing bedding that prioritizes the health and welfare of research animals while ensuring reliable, reproducible research outcomes.
While corncob bedding has traditionally been used in the industry, we can no longer in good faith offer it, especially in critical biomedical research settings. Recent studies have shown that corncob bedding can negatively affect rodent health and behavior, which in turn can skew research results. Some of the key findings include:
UNMC Bedding as a Variable Affecting Fasting Blood Glucose..
How can I purchase Shepherd products?
We’ve partnered with a trusted network of distributors who are experts in our products and can provide personalized service. By working with these local distributors, we ensure that:
- Local Support: You get local support for product inquiries, installations, and service, all from people in your area.
- Faster Delivery & Availability: Distributors typically have faster access to inventory and can offer quicker shipping or even in-person pickups.
We’re here to help! If you’d like to find a distributor near you, simply reach out to us, and we’ll connect you with a trusted partner in your area.
Whats the difference between ALPHA-dri® and Other Paper Bedding?
ALPHA-dri® is first quality bedding material and just pure fluff pulp. Its natural qualities eliminate odor, contain no confounding material and is extremely high quality for animal research. No additives, clean, consistent and traceable.
How can I get my PIs and others on board with making the switch to ALPHA-dri®?
We understand that switching beddings can be a significant challenge, especially in large animal research facilities where consistency in research data is critical. It’s not uncommon for researchers to be hesitant about changing bedding, due to concerns about potential disruptions to ongoing studies and the perceived risk of impacting data outcomes.
To help facilitate this transition, we offer “Lunch and Learn” sessions where we’ll setup a meeting via zoom or come directly to your facility, provide lunch, and educate your team. During these sessions, we cover:
- The science behind various bedding types and their impact on animal welfare and research outcomes.
- The benefits of transitioning to a more consistent, scientifically validated bedding solution.
- Real-world examples and case studies of other research facilities that have successfully made the switch.
Our goal is to provide a supportive and informative environment where your researchers feel confident in making the switch. We also encourage you to reach out to other large research institutions that have already made the transition. These facilities can offer valuable insights and guidance on how to smoothly integrate new bedding solutions without disrupting ongoing research.
If you’d like to schedule a Lunch and Learn session or learn more about how we can help your facility transition, please feel free to contact us through our website.
What are the dimensions of your Shepherd Shacks?
Shepherd Shack® : L: 5.75″ W:3.25″ H: 2.5″
Shepherd Shack® Dome: L: 5.75″ W:3.875″ H: 2.125″
Shepherd Shack® Splittable: L: 4.29″ W:3.83″ H: 2.37″ (double wide would be L: 8.6″)
Shepherd Shack® Rat: L: 7.75″ W:6.5″ H: 3.875″