Simon wrote[quote='Simon' pid='82' dateline='1480445093']
Hello,
Is anybody using bpod in behavioral setups for rats? Particularly in the case of the ports, I'm wondering weather it would be a matter of just scaling up the size and weather the materials would still be suitable for rats. Would XT-Copolyester be resistant enough to stand potential chewing, etc? Any experience/advise?
Thanks!
Simon
Hi Simon
I have received several requests for rat ports. They're on the priority stack.
Rats chew most plastics to shreds. We have had success with PEEK and metals in the past.
Once I have a 3D printer that can handle the temperature (hopefully before the end of the year), I'll evaluate HT-Copolyester for this purpose. I spoke last week with a machinist in our community, who has agreed to mill rat ports for us if necessary. In that case, the mouse port design can't just be scaled - it will have to be redesigned to avoid tight pockets (or use 3D printed inserts to mount the sensor and emitter).
I hope this helps!
