Alright folks! If you saw my last post, I was having issues with my rats starting to sneeze and snuffle. They're located in my shed (which is currently half insulated, most will be finished tomorrow) but I added a small space heater to keep the shed temperature up during the drops. It is an easy 70 degrees in there constant now, maybe a little bit warmer.

In the past week (starting just before I got the heater and continuing to now) I have had 5 of my breeders die. Two very large males, three females. All have been in my rat rack. All rats are checked on twice a day; once in the morning, once in the evening. Food (Mazuri 6F) and water refilled as necessary. None of these animals have shown signs of being attacked by others.

My question is; could this be due to the fact that they did get cold and, unfortunately, succumbed to a sickness?

Secondly: One female has given birth (about a week ago). She came to me pregnant, and had 7 pups. I believe this is her first litter, as she is a fairly small female. One pup died nearly immediately, which I know is to be expected. But slowly, more have died, to the point where I only have one left, and who knows if it will make it. She is in a bin with another pregnant female, who has not shown any signs of stealing babies, fighting, etc. These two were housed together previously and got along fine.

Any advice on either of these issues? My mice are breeding like CRAZY and doing great! These rats have just got me stumped!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!