Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

johndavidwoods · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 6:10 pm Post subject: Can rodents be kept in a shed?

Just wondering if it is possible to keep and breed rodents in a shed?

I'm referring to a pretty basic, non-insulated shed here.

Just checking out all my options. Not mad keen on having them in the house....... but I do want to give it a go, for the sake of my snakes.

I guess fancy mice might be more sensitive compared to their wild cousins, so I'm not sure I can do this. I live in London, btw, and am giving it a go with mice, rather than rats.
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Johnny

lol93 · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:24 pm Post subject:

There shouldn't be a problem-I know someone who breeds rats for feeders in a shed. I would imagine, though, you would have to insulate it and heat it in some way.
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davo · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 9:01 pm Post subject:

i think they are pretty hardy... if they have bedding and maybe a nest box type thing they might be ok, but i dunno on long term affects.

toyah · Key Member Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 228

You're best off making sure the shed is properly insulated, otherwise they may get too cold and stop breeding in the winter, and then overheat in the summer.

Ally · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:39 am Post subject:

Insulation doesn't have to be expensive - 2" polystyrene on the walls/roof/floor with board covering does the trick. A cheap, low power oil filled radiator for over winter and you're sorted.
They won't breed over winter if it is too cold (saving body reserves) and if it gets too hot they seem to get very lethargic and give up on babies...
I keep mine in a shed insulated and heated as about and have a high year round baby yeild.

Scott W · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:23 am Post subject:

or just simply provide LOTS of bedding material in the winter.

My rodent shed drops to around 12c in the winter and I've never noticed a slow down. Really hot summers can be worse but with only a few cages you'll be fine Wink

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Jas · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 11:16 am Post subject:

I keep all mine in a shed with no insulation and they breed all year round, the only time they slow a little is in the hot summer months, i have the windows partially boarded over so the heat doesnt build up too much in there.
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Jase · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 2:07 pm Post subject:

Mine are in the shed without insulation.

I would say that overheating is more of an issue than underheating, make sure you've got it well ventilated during the summer, leave the door open or a window etc.

If your shed is in the open you may have more of a problem with overheating as mine is under a tree.

It seems like gestation takes longer in warmer weather ?! Confused

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johndavidwoods · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 2:29 pm Post subject:

Cool, thanks for the replies, everybody.
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Johnny

christophermchale · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:15 am Post subject:

im lead to believe rats can survive in any conditions.

even under water.
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