How do you warm rats? - briefly
Provide a controlled warm environment using a low‑temperature heating pad or a climate‑controlled enclosure, and monitor the animals with a rectal thermometer to keep body temperature within the normal range. Ensure bedding is dry and consider supplemental heat lamps only if ambient temperature cannot be maintained.
How do you warm rats? - in detail
Rats require a stable ambient temperature of 20‑24 °C for adult welfare and 28‑30 °C for neonates. When ambient conditions fall below these ranges, supplemental heat must be provided to prevent hypothermia and associated stress.
Environmental adjustments
- Increase room heating or adjust thermostat to maintain target range.
- Eliminate drafts by sealing gaps around cages and ventilation openings.
Cage‑level solutions
- Place a thick layer of shredded paper or commercially available nesting material in the corner of the cage; rodents will create a warm micro‑environment by huddling.
- Install a low‑intensity infrared heat lamp on the cage exterior, ensuring the bulb is at least 30 cm away to avoid burns. Use a thermostat‑controlled fixture to keep surface temperature between 30‑32 °C.
- Apply a thermostatically regulated heating pad beneath the cage floor. Pad temperature should not exceed 34 °C; a thermostat set to 30 °C provides consistent warmth without overheating.
Neonatal care
- Transfer litters to a temperature‑controlled incubator set at 32‑34 °C for the first 7‑10 days.
- Provide a padded, insulated nest box inside the incubator; replace bedding daily to maintain hygiene.
- Monitor pup weight gain; insufficient weight gain indicates inadequate thermal support.
Monitoring and safety
- Use a digital thermometer or infrared sensor to record cage surface temperature twice daily.
- Observe rats for signs of cold stress (shivering, huddling, lethargy) or overheating (rapid breathing, panting, disorientation).
- Adjust heat sources promptly if temperature deviates more than ±2 °C from target.
By combining ambient control, appropriate cage accessories, and continuous temperature monitoring, rats remain within optimal thermal limits, supporting health and experimental reliability.