rat room temperatures

[tmlowe5704]

I will be starting on some framing and other small work on my shed/future rat and snake room soon. I plan on putting everything into the room and it will be heated to 80*. Has anyone had problems with their rats giving small litters or is it worth it to wall it off into two rooms and make it cooler for the rats?

[monk90222]

I believe that cooler than 80 is better for rats. I believe that 60s are better. I have my rats in my garage, its about 70 (still even high) and I have had consistently large litters....I have an oil filled heater in there (its like 20 f outside and my garage is unheated) but cannot get the temps low as I want them.


I would build a wall, if for nothing else to limit the places that an escaped rat can go!

[Shelby]

Rats do better in cooler temperatures.. at 80 degrees they're going to be more lethargic and may be less prolific. Temps that are comfortable for us are usually comfy for the rats. My rats are in my basement which is in the 60s year round.. they're very happy in that temp range.