Beating the heat.

Summer is almost here and several areas have already seen significant heat waves. As gross and uncomfortable as the heat can make us feel, our little friends have to suffer through in fur coats!There are several things you can do to make the heat more bearable.

The first and most important thing is to make sure there is plenty of fresh water available! You may consider adding extra bottles if you don't have many already. Dehydration is a big threat in big heat.

Pea fishing! Rats love this game, and if you haven't tried it before there is no better time than during the toasty summer months. Place some frozen peas (or frozen mixed veggies) in a bowl of water. (Make sure the bowl is heavy or it will get tipped!) Your rats will love bobbing for the veggies, and it will help keep them cool. This game is not reccommending for mice.

Freeze jars of water and place them in the cage. Your rodents will appreciate being able to lay near the mini air conditioner. You may wish to put a sock or other cloth around the jar so they can't lay in direct contact with it. If you choose to use plastic bottles expect holey bottles and a wet cage.

If you keep your mice in a plastic tote or aquarium style cage you can place frozen water bottles near the corners or on the lid of the cage to provide extra cool air.

Wet a washcloth with cool water and rub everyone down, don't forget the tails. This is a nice refresher for hot rodents.

Put a bowl of ice cubes (or freeze cubes of veggie juice*) in the cage. They'll play with them, chew them, and just enjoy them. Be prepared for wet bedding with this one though.

If you choose to use a fan make sure it's not blowing directly on the cage or it could create a dangerous draft effect.

To make sure everyone is staying hydrated you can soak some lab block in veggie juice* and sneak some extra moisture into their diet.

It can be beneficial to provide a flat metal or plastic surface for your animals to spread out on to help them release heat.

Keep a thermomater at least in the room where your rodents reside. It's best to keep one near each cage because the temperature can flucuate greatly, even in a single room. If you have a bin or aquarium style cage for your mice it is vital that you have a thermomater IN the cage. I suggest the unbreakable glass ones you'll find in the aquarium section of your local pet supply store.

Remember no matter how hot it is to always make sure rodents have a warm place to nest.

* When choosing a veggie juice remember to pick one that is organic and low in sodium!