Reptile & Amphibian Forums

the temp doesnt go above 80 in the summer and in the winter rarely goes below 60-65 degrees. I live in tennessee so i hardly ever get snow.

That sounds like a great place. Mine did fair this summer in Los Angeles where temps got up in the high 90'sF. In the winter, it gets into the 40'sF. I have a 100 watt ceramic heater on a timer for when it gets that cold. My shed is only 3' X 8' so it doesn't take much to keep the temp up. 60-65 shouldn't be a problem, but if it gets much below 60F, you could try several things. First I would try covering part of the top of the tub. Rats generate alot of metabolic heat. Next I would try leaving a light bulb or ceramic heater on at night. After that try using a blanket or cardboard to partition off the area right around the rats with the heat source inside. Check it a couple of times the first night so it doesn't get too hot. At this point it's good to sit a minute and think of anything that could go wrong. After all, if the garage is on fire , it's probably too warm. If you get a real hard cold snap, maybe they could come in the house for a couple of nights? If so a change of bedding can make it more pleasant for everyone.

Good Luck, let us know how things go.
DeMak

I live in middle Tennessee and breed rats in my garage and have never had any problems. They seem to do just fine year round. Also, let me know if you ever have any extra rat breeders or if you decide to sell any rats. I'm always looking to increase my production level. Thanks

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Michael