Cant get my rats to breed.

[blaz]

So about 8 weeks ago I got some weaned rats to raise and try to breed. I got 1.3 and they didn't eat the mazuri 6f I had right off so I gave them some fruit and they grew a little and started eating the lab block. They have been growing a lot for about 5 week but now have slowed down and I assumed they were about to start breeding. 3 weeks later no babies and the girls are looking slim not prego. I am keeping them in a 20 gal long aquarium. I gave them a hide and I clean 2 times a week. The shed they are in stays between 75-85 degrees. Does anyone have any thoughts on why they aren't reproducing or what other info should I give you.

[Melody]

They will breed. Just give them some time to grow, though rats can breed from the time they are weaned, most wait till a little later. Don't worry, it's better to let them put on some weight before they start anyway. This will maximize litter size, and it's healthier for the animals.

[Mrl249]

85 is pretty high. We keep ours between 75-78 at all times. And a fan running 24/7 on them. I used an aquarium but I hated cleaning it. We use rat racks and they work perfectly. 10x easier to clean. Also, make sure you look up what fruits are safe, I believe i read somewhere that a few fruits are toxic. Best of luck!

[sorraia]

They are probably still young, especially the male. males tend to take a little longer to mature and stay breeding. It also sounds like they are a bit too warm. Rats prefer cooler temperatures and start getting uncomfortable after 75 degrees. If the temperatures are too high they are less likely to breed.