temps for rats

[Bighead]

What is the minimum temperature you can keep mice and rats at? I might start breeding them again if I can keep them outdoors until next fall or winter.

If so, is there anybody in this area who might be willing to sell a breeding trio of rats and/or a breeding pair of mice?

[Bighead]

just found this:
"The temperature should not fall below around 45 Degrees F/7Degrees C, and ideally should not rise beyond around 75 Degrees F/ 24 Degrees C."

agree? disagree?

[sapphire_moon]

I personally don't think it should fall below 65 degrees, and should not go over 75. I don't think you will be able to keep them outside unless you have a specialy built shed like "rat house" too keep the racks/cages in.

[LTownsend]

Proper temperature is the most important factor for breeding mice and rats. The ideal temperature is between 68-70 F. Rats will do o.k. at cooler temps, but 45 is far too low, and if there is excessive humidity, the colony will get sick and start dying quickly, especially mice. A good bloodline kept at 70 degrees with constant access to a quality food and fresh water will thrive and produce like crazy.

[LTownsend]

Sorry, I meant "proper temperature & humidity are the two most important factors". Hit the submit button too quickly before editing the post :)

[Auskan]

Originally posted by LTownsend
Hit the submit button too quickly before editing the post :)

You can also use the "edit" button on your post to go in and make edits, rather than submitting a whole new post.

I tend to agree with the others. Why would you want to keep them outside? Even in warmer climates I wouldn't keep mine outside, but in Canada, I would guess that temps are generally even colder than they are here!

[Jayson]

Idealy you want to keep them at room temps or a little bit below, however this does not mean that rats wont survive and breed in much colder temp i know a person right now who has his rats out in a unheated garden shed and they are doing very well and constantly producing and raising litters.
Many nights in our ares are still dipping down into the minuses. he brings them in in the coldest months being dec, jan and feb, then they go back out.
The problem is you have to make sure that they have enough fat in their diet and they are given enough bedding and kept clean and they need a steady supply of flowing water.