Breeding Temps

What are the max high and low temps for breeding rats? I have a colony of about 100 breeder females and we have been losing litters since it has turned cooler. I have always thought as long as it stayed above freezing they would be fine. What do you guys say.

From my understanding they do not like it too warm or cold but cool is good for them. I try not to let it get below 65 deg during the winter. I just started and i am no expert, this is just what has worked for me. come summer I will try to keep it below 80 deg. I have been told by others that they like the low 70 range.

If you havent watched the RDR you tube vids you may want to watch the rat barn episodes.. He says numerous times that he doent heat them he only uses a heater to take the chill out of the air??? I dont know if this will help...

I would say no lower than 60 or so. Any colder and you will lose pinkies, and it wont be healthy for the breeder rats either. I dunno about a max, but if you are getting uncomfortable, so will they, especially with fur.

Low 70's to mid 70's is what you should strive for.

My rat room is around 68-70. Rats don't like sweltering heat. Cold would be detrimental as well I would imagine. Hairless rats should be kept warmer though :)

I don't like to keep them cooler than 65, or warmer than 75. We've been keeping ours in a cooler part of the house (65) and there are some definite sneezes going round.

To offset this, if you use a pelleted bedding, give them a lot of shavings to nest in and an oil filled (or other type) radiator when available.

Ralph also uses pine shavings, and a lot of it, and he also keeps them in smaller tubs with more rats in each tub. I don't agree with the cramming amd super confined spaces, but it will keep the rats warmer.