All components of the metabolic cage are compatible with standard facility-approved cleaning methods, both by hand and machine, except for the PMP-coated parts: the Separating Cone, Urine Funnel, and Urine Ring. These items require delicate handling—avoid contact with bare hands and do not use abrasive or corrosive materials. We recommend hand washing these components with a microfiber cloth, rinsing thoroughly, and then applying your facility-approved disinfectant spray.

Our metabolic cages are specifically designed for use with powdered diets. This ensures accurate monitoring of food consumption and prevents sample contamination from large food particles that animals might carry into the collection area. Both major diet providers—Teklad and Purina—offer all their diets in powdered form, available in quantities as small as 2 kg. Alternatively, you may grind your standard diet in-house to achieve a
fine powder consistency prior to use.

We offer two effective solutions for keeping samples cool during metabolic cage collection: the Chiller and the E-Chiller. The Chiller system features a freezable core housed in a Styrofoam shell, positioned beneath the metabolic cage to passively maintain low temperatures—ideal for general cooling needs without precise temperature requirements. For research applications demanding accurate thermal regulation, the E-Chiller offers electronically controlled cooling, allowing users to set and maintain specific temperatures throughout the collection period. Both systems are compatible with all Tecniplast metabolic cages, except the 3600M021 single mouse model, making them versatile options for most setups.

Yes, every individual component of the metabolic cage can be purchased individually.  Please visit our parts section of the website or contact us at sales@tecniplastusa.com for additional information.

Below is a general overview of the available cages and their key characteristics:

• 3600M021- Single Mouse Metabolic Cage: Designed for individual mouse collection. Note: Not compatible with Chiller or E-Chiller systems.
• 3700M022- Group Mouse Metabolic Cage: Accommodates multiple mice simultaneously but can also be used for single mouse collection.
• 3700M061- Single Rat Metabolic Cage (up to 150g): Includes a conversion kit that allows for both mouse and rat collection, ideal if your study involves the need for flexibility between multiple species.
• 3700M071- Single Rat Metabolic Cage (150g–300g): Also includes the same conversion kit for mouse/rat flexibility.
• 3700M081- Single Rat Metabolic Cage (300g+): Designed for larger rats. Note: This cage does not support conversion for mouse use.

Yes, please reference the videos below to watch the assembly video for our three different metabolic cages.

A dedicated metabolic rack is not required to use our caging system.

• The 3600M021 metabolic cage includes a built-in stand, allowing it to be placed directly on a benchtop. However, if benchtop space is limited, it can also be used with the metabolic rack. In this case, only a support plate specific to the 3600M021 needs to be purchased separately.
• The 3700M022, 3700M061, 3700M071, and 3700M081 cages all require either a separate support stand (for benchtop use) or use on the metabolic rack. No additional support plate is needed for these models, as each comes equipped with its own.

The metabolic rack itself is universal and compatible with all five cage models offered.  

The primary consideration is the delicate nature of the PMP-coated components—the Separating Cone, Urine Funnel, and Urine Ring. Even with proper handling and care, these parts are considered consumables due to wear from regular use. We recommend replacing them annually, or less frequently if usage is minimal.