Breeding ASFs/temp questions.

[MMReptiles]

As my reptile collection has grown, I've switched to trying to breed my own feeders. Mice and Rats have failed me every time due to the fact I have to breed them in my outdoor shed, and it gets fairly warm in the winter. I would assume the high temps are what are keeping the mice/rats from breeding.

I picked up a group of 1.3 ASFs and set them up in a 20g glass tank, lots of ventilation etc. I'm wondering if temps hovering between 70-85 will still allow them to breed, or will they shut down like my rats do and produce nothing?

Any advice would be great. There is no real way to supply power to the shed, and the S/O is 100% against breeding rodents in the house, so that is absolutely out of the question. Thanks!

[rperry03]

I keep mine in the basement with the windows open and the temps avg 75 at night to 80-85 during the day. I have 3 tanks and they have yet to stop breeding. There is always pinks in the oldest set tank and currently the other 2 had their first set.

[spitzu]

80-85 in my garage the last few weeks. They haven't stopped breeding as far as I can tell.

[MMReptiles]

80-85 in my garage the last few weeks. They haven't stopped breeding as far as I can tell.

Good, then it looks like I'll need to pick up a bunch more from you later this week!

[spitzu]

That's fine. I still have 30-40 extras.

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[Edward F]

I have heard that the cold weather makes them stop breeding. I think they can do better in higher temps compared with mice and rats. Mine are kept around 80 and are doing great.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

I live in Florida and my ASF's are kept in the uninsulated, non temperature controlled garage. 95 degrees during the day is average.

They are fine at that temperature. Breeding numbers are fine. Only real difference is they drink a lot more water that results in a lot more urin that results in a lot more stink. This is where the exhaust fan is key.

Dont forget... They are from Africa. It gets a whole lot hotter there then it does here. ( in most places)

[inca666]

im in chicago and my basement get 55 to 60 degree in the winter. and they still breed. i just give them newspaper and they make a nest. and i think that does the trick. they just all huddle together.

[spitzu]

I took the temp gun out to my garage and took some measurements the other day. It was 55 on the bottom rows. They were all huddled together and the mass of rats was at nearly 80 degrees. I guess they can keep themselves warm just fine