Heating ASF cage

Hey everyone,

I just got a young, small colony (1.1) of ASFRs, complete with their litter of 6 babies. I'm keeping them in a 10gal tank. The babies just fully opened their eyes yesterday, so I'll pull them out this weekend. I keep them in my basement which right now hovers around 63°F. I think it's a little cool for them. I've got some leftover 4" heat tape. I thought I'd set that up, on a dimmer, and run it real low, but I thought I'd ask around first for some possible better heating ideas. I don't think the mother is pregnant again (at least not showing), and I'm concerned the temps are to blame... Thoughts?

Thanks!

63 isnt cold as long as they have bedding to nest in. most rodents do best breeding in 60-78oF

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This caresheet suggests that they should be kept between 70 and 90. My colony is kept in the same room as my snakes which is usually 78-80. You may want to try and get them somewhere a bit warmer.

Shouldn't you keep the babies in til they are at least 3-4 weeks old

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

63 isnt cold as long as they have bedding to nest in. most rodents do best breeding in 60-78oF

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Keep in mind, these things are from AFRICA! 60 degrees is cold. If they get too cold, they will start eating babies. I try not to let the temps go below 70. In the summer they get up to 95 degrees with no issues.

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Originally Posted by TMoore

This caresheet suggests that they should be kept between 70 and 90. My colony is kept in the same room as my snakes which is usually 78-80. You may want to try and get them somewhere a bit warmer.

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Unfortunately, moving them to a warmer location isn't a realistic option right now... I thought providing some extra heat in their current location would be the best option.

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Originally Posted by llovelace

Shouldn't you keep the babies in til they are at least 3-4 weeks old

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I don't know the babies' exact birthdate, but I'd put them at around 3-4 weeks now. Eyes open, eating and drinking, etc.

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Originally Posted by Mike Cavanaugh

Keep in mind, these things are from AFRICA! 60 degrees is cold. If they get too cold, they will start eating babies. I try not to let the temps go below 70. In the summer they get up to 95 degrees with no issues.

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That's what I thought. Any thoughts on supplemental heat? I'm torn between some heat tape, or a heat lamp.

I would use a heat lamp (make sure you know the temps). Since they have beeding an overhead heat would be better than bottom heat. Keep the temps at least 70, 80 is better if you can get it up that high. One last thing. If you take the little ones out you may never be able to return them. So make sure you can feed them off first before you take them out for any length of time.

Can't you put them in a warmer part of the house? If not, get a space heater. Dont see the heat tape or the heat lamp being the answer.