Breeding Temps

[FatBoy]

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.

[cane]

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.

[Jeff Krupa]

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...

[ThyTempest]

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.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

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

[Ginevive]

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

[littleindiangirl]

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.