EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT FOR RODENTS LEADS, TO THE MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN PEOPLE.

Shepherd Shack®

Product Description

Shepherd Shacks are manufactured from unprinted, uncoated white book publisher-grade paper that is then turned into molded paper cellulose.

In a Shepherd Shack® study, mice preferred the Shepherd Shack® over other enrichment devices due to its characteristics in enhancing animal well-being. 

Types of Shacks & Specs

Specifications

540/ box
L: 5.75″ W:3.25″ H: 2.5″
Available Irradiated

 

   
Specifications:

800/ box (400 connected)
L: 4.29″ W:3.83″ H: 2.37″
Available Irradiated

Product Sheet

Specifications

480/ box
L: 5.75″ W:3.875″ H: 2.125″

Specifications

108/ box
L: 7.75″ W:6.5″ H: 3.875″
Available Irradiated

Gel cup holders are a unique enrichment structure to help keep cups off the cage bottom while also being an enrichment structure for rodents. 

Backless Specifications

192/Box
L: 3.75″  W: 3.25″  H:  2.375″ 

Regular Holder Specifications
96/Box
L: 5.75″  W: 3.25″  H:  2.5″ 

OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLEnCE IN THE CAGE

Effective environmental enrichment is a crucial component of sound, ethical research programs.

  • Clean and Consistent
    Shepherd Shacks are manufactured from unprinted, uncoated, white book, publisher-grade paper. Other enrichment items often contain post-consumer waste materials.
  • Adhesive and Glue Free
    Other enrichment devices like tubes or cardboard structures are manufactured with glues and adhesives. These potentially study-affecting substances may be directly ingested when the enrichment items are chewed and manipulated. Shepherd Shacks are manufactured from 100 percent paper pulp without adhesives or glue.
  • Ink Free
    Other enrichment items manufactured from recycled materials may contain inks and dyes that can potentially disrupt studies. Shepherd Shacks are manufactured exclusively from unprinted paper.
  • Contaminant Free
    Shepherd Shacks are virtually free of heavy metals & pesticides.

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Research animals give their lives for the advancement of science. In return, we at Shepherd believe it is our duty to provide enrichment items that encourage species specific behaviors and improve breeding and overall health.

Shepherd Shack® is an exceptional environmental enrichment choice in support of this lofty goal.

  • Reduced Aggression
    Studies show that Shepherd Shacks reduce aberrant behavior like whisker picking and hair loss amongst several strains.
  • Most Preferred Rodent Structure
    A recent study determined that mice preferred Shepherd Shacks over plastic houses by over 15 to one.
  • Superior Nest Building Device
    Shepherd Shacks form an outstanding foundation for nest building when combined with our ALPHA-twist® or Enviro-dri® . Mice manipulate the nesting material and pull it into the Shepherd Shack to make the perfect nest. Studies show that a Shepherd Shack combined with nesting material is preferred over a cage with only nesting material by a ratio of over 4 to 1.
  • Activity Center
    Shepherd Shacks induce climbing and burrowing within the cage. It also can be chewed and shredded in nest best building activities.
  • Preferred Over Other Nesting Material
    When given the choice, mice prefer a cage with a Shepherd Shack over a cage with nesting material alone.
  • Increase Pup Survival in Breeding Operations
    A recent study showed for some strains that Shepherd Shack reduced pre-wean pup loss by 30 percent and post-wean pup loss by 50 percent.
  • Undisturbed Breeding
    The Shepherd Shack allows animal care staff to spot change the bedding in the cage without disturbing the litter within the Shepherd Shack.

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Environmental enrichment items are crucial to the health and welfare of the animals and the research goals of the investigators. 

Shepherd Shack’s unique characteristics and durability supports economical facility wide usage.

  • Multiple Styles and Designs
    We have a Shepherd Shack to suit every available mouse cage and animal care staff work practice.
  • Shepherd Shack Dome
    can be used as is with two entrances. It may also be split into two pieces and fit within the smallest cages. The split, open back improves observation and allows an additional avenue for entry and exit.
  • Shepherd Shack 
    our original and largest mouse enrichment item has one entrance/exit and affords the best opportunity for a large nest.
  • Shepherd Shack Backless Splittable
    Is a modified version of the Shepherd Shack with the back removed to allow for enhanced observation and a better fit in a tight cage.
  • Shepherd Shack Rat is designed for rats and guinea pigs.
  • Economical and Reusable
    Shepherd Shacks are manufactured from durable paper pulp that may be reused after cage changes. This assures the economical Shepherd Shack is even cheaper to use on a cage change basis.
  • Disposable and Compostable
    Plastic enrichment items must be handled, washed and sanitized. The paper pulp used in Shepherd Shacks may be disposed of in typical waste streams and compost easily in a moist waste environment.
  • Autoclavable and Available Irradiated
    Shepherd Shacks are easy and efficient to autoclave. They are also available irradiated for critical studies.

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Our Products

Not only do our products promote research integrity and enhance animal welfare, but they also are designed to assist our customers in operating an efficient and cost-effective research program. With a variety of options for bedding and enrichment, SSP offers everything you need for Excellence in the Cage.

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Why SSP?

Shepherd Specialty Papers has been family owned and operated for over 30 years, and we take pride in the unparalleled quality of our products, and our people. When you choose SSP, you are choosing award-winning products that are used in cutting edge studies by the largest research companies around the world.

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Resources

When you use bedding or enrichment products from SSP, you can be sure they’ve been subject to stringent standards through our Continuous Monitoring program. Let us show you what consistent, quality products look like for you and your animals. In-depth analysis reports for each of our products are available to all of our customers.

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