Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone tell me what temps rodents can tolerate. I'm talking both hot and cold.

I'd like to put my colony outside in the back yard due to my colony growing rapidly.

I'm located in Florida. Tonight it's supposed to be 30 degrees.

Best Regards,
Frank

cool I'm in Florida too ^_^ Jacksonville,FL anyways...
But as for the encloser, what type is it? is it a big plastic bin or is it a home made wire cage? They should do fine outside (mine does anyways). If you can you can used a towel or old bed sheets to put around the cage to keep them from getting to cold. As for cold, they can tolrate pretty low stuff,if they are intoduced to it slowly and not over night. as for heat... got me there. Just don't put it out in full sun lol

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1.0.0 Bearded Dragon (Rex- "normal" orange fire)
1.0.0 Bearded Dragon (Glutany- German Giant Mix)
0.1.0 Okeetee Corn (Okatee)
1.1.0 Spotted Python (Hotdog and Shoelace)

I use lab style caging for my rodents. You've got a good point introducing them slowly to the cold so they can acclimate. Maybe I'll put them out tomorrow because tonight is supposed to be the coldest its been in 2 yrs.

Thanks,
Frank

rats and mice produce well around 60-80 degrees. Beyond that range, production will cease and they'll start dying.

If it's cold they will expend all their energy on staying warm and won't reproduce at all.

>>Can someone tell me what temps rodents can tolerate. I'm talking both hot and cold.
>>
>>I'd like to put my colony outside in the back yard due to my colony growing rapidly.
>>
>>I'm located in Florida. Tonight it's supposed to be 30 degrees.

Who knows what will happen at various temps but production will be sacrificed as the temps deviate from the 60-80 room temps.
To me 30 may kill even with acclimation. You will want to stock them up on bedding and extra food. Once the heat hits that will kill too.

Biggest thing I can think of besides temps is that you may get predators in you rodents....from other rodents to snakes to birds of prey to wandering cats. Diseases and injuries (look for chewed tails and feet as that seems to be what wild cousins seem to go for as the domestics crowd the wire)
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

You've made some great points I've actually been thinking about. Diseases and predators mostly. My GSD does a good job of keeping animals out of the yard. She even jumps in the air trying to catch birds..lol

I think the best solution is to purchase a shed with a window. That way I can add a heater/air conditioner. The big problem in FL is the red ants. I try to maintain my yard and keep them out but they keep coming back. I don't spray pesticides in the back yard because of my dog.

I appreciate all the opinions and help. For now I'll keep them inside.

All the Best,
Frank