Vent/Cooling question for other rat/mouse breeders...

[JasonBrennan]

Looking for others opinions regarding vent/cooling of a rodent room. I have around 100 adult breeder rats, and I have no idea how many mice (not nearly as many mice as rats, thou). My question is this...

Do you think it would be better to have a window A/C unit in the room (it gets very hot in there with even the door and widow open), or would a fan mounted in the window be more benificial (as in more air exchange with the outside)?

I am not concerned with odor control (have not had a problem with that, but I clean ALOT...that is just me, thou), but I am concerned that an A/C unit might cause "stale" air in the room. Any thoughts on this.

By the way, I live in the South (Alabama), and summers get HOT here (was in the upper 80's and low 90's today!!)

Any feed back would be appreciated.

"If you look like prey, you will be eaten."...Clint Smith, Director, Thunder Ranch

[Jayson]

Last year I use a window fan , one that had an exaust side and an intake side. my rat house also has a heavy duty bathroom ceiling fan . Although there are days when it still gets very hot inside , I have not had any problems this far . IMO rats been nocturnal they are not all that active during the heat of the day which probably helps alot .
If an air conditioner is an option for you it would probably be a good backup in case of a long hot spell.
Also keep watch out for the condition of the rats and mice and thier reproduction because this will suffer if it gets to hot.


Jason Sharpe

[Linds]

I would definitely go with the AC unit if your in a hot zone. Rats and mice do not tolerate excess heat very well, and though fans would provide good air circulation, it may not bring the temps down sufficiently. I've seen rats show signs of the heat (ie- sprawled out on their backs, etc) in temps as low as low eighties.

[JasonBrennan]

Thanks for the input. I have been leaning towards the A/C unit, the only thing that has held me back is that "stale air" concern. I guess I can always install the A/C, and just open the door for a few hours a day to allow some circulation (I have a screen door on the room as well).

[Lisa]

Many window A/C units offer the option of recycling the air or venting in new air. you may also consider putting in an exhaust fan to suck the hot air out.

[stretch]

All I have to give is that rats breed better in normal room temperature. Thats my .02

[Christina]

A vent is a definate must just for the dust factor as well as circulation
The whole window fan idea helps with that and is more friendly on costs depending on how big your facility is as well.
One of the reasons A/C has the option for allowing the in/out circulation of air is because it will draw all moisture out of the air. So the water supply for the rodents may drop down alot quicker than what is normal if you go strictly with an A/C.
These are variables that need to be looked at. Espescially during a dry spell. I would also be concerned on opening the door and closing the door alot the rats may become susceptible to getting respiratory problems. It is not uncommon for people who work in an A/C enviroment to get the sniffles during the summer from going in and out of the cool all of the time so I do believe it would not be uncommon for rats either.
Christina