We have been having some ~extremely~ hot weather in my area, and even though my room is air-conditioned, the air-conditioner is no match for nature's heat. I've read suggestions here before about ways to keep the cage and/or rats cool, but I've forgotten the majority of them. (I have several rat books, but I don't remember reading anything about this...or maybe I just forgot.)
In addition to keeping them cool during the day, we're having a little problem with their "free roam" time. They get an hour or more per day of free roam play time, usually. Their playrooms are one of two bathrooms, both of which are rat-proofed. Unfortunately, although water is provided, the bathrooms are not air conditioned at all, and, even at night, they get pretty hot.
The past few nights, we haven't had "full length" playtimes; I'm letting Gus make the call. When he gets too hot, he lays down as flat as a pancake - he looks like a puddle of rat, LOL - and sticks his nose under the door to breathe the cool air. It took me awhile to figure out that "flat rat" wasn't just a cute posture, but was an attempt at communication, but I finally got it. Now, when I see Gus do "flat rat," I know it's time to bring them to their home, where it's as cool as we can get it.
I take them out in my (air conditioned) room several times a day and night, just to hold them in my hands or lap, or let them crawl on my shoulder - I don't want them to feel neglected, or unstimulated. And their home (I dislike the word "cage") has plenty of room for running and wrestling.
Is it OK to shorten "playtime" during these hot days, and listen to Gus? Are there ways other than fans to keep them cool, so that they can play longer? (I wish my room was a free-roam area, but there are just too many dangers in here.) I don't expect the heat wave to last too long.
As many of you know, I love my rats beyond what is usually considered "normal." Sometimes, when I feel depressed, it seems as though they are the best thing in my entire life...always loving, super smart, and in tune with me. (I love all animals, but somehow, my rats are special to me. I don't have human children, and they are like human boys would be, for me.) I want to do everything I can so that they will live happy lives...and, generally, I think that they are very happy. I hear an awful lot of happy chirping, and bruxing coming from their direction. But I feel just awful that I'm not able to give them cool, comfortable playtime for as long as they want to play. I try to give them everything that is wonderful to a rat...I try out all of the toys and games that I read about. It's getting tough for me to find "new" gifts for them, since they are very spoiled. But they make me happy simply by being themselves, and I truly want to pay them back with the most beautiful life possible.
Here is a pic of the mansion, so you can see the setup, and draw conclusions about where "cool things" should be put. (These kids are pretty darn good at finding the coolest parts of their home!)
Thanks for your help!
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In addition to keeping them cool during the day, we're having a little problem with their "free roam" time. They get an hour or more per day of free roam play time, usually. Their playrooms are one of two bathrooms, both of which are rat-proofed. Unfortunately, although water is provided, the bathrooms are not air conditioned at all, and, even at night, they get pretty hot.
The past few nights, we haven't had "full length" playtimes; I'm letting Gus make the call. When he gets too hot, he lays down as flat as a pancake - he looks like a puddle of rat, LOL - and sticks his nose under the door to breathe the cool air. It took me awhile to figure out that "flat rat" wasn't just a cute posture, but was an attempt at communication, but I finally got it. Now, when I see Gus do "flat rat," I know it's time to bring them to their home, where it's as cool as we can get it.
I take them out in my (air conditioned) room several times a day and night, just to hold them in my hands or lap, or let them crawl on my shoulder - I don't want them to feel neglected, or unstimulated. And their home (I dislike the word "cage") has plenty of room for running and wrestling.
Is it OK to shorten "playtime" during these hot days, and listen to Gus? Are there ways other than fans to keep them cool, so that they can play longer? (I wish my room was a free-roam area, but there are just too many dangers in here.) I don't expect the heat wave to last too long.
As many of you know, I love my rats beyond what is usually considered "normal." Sometimes, when I feel depressed, it seems as though they are the best thing in my entire life...always loving, super smart, and in tune with me. (I love all animals, but somehow, my rats are special to me. I don't have human children, and they are like human boys would be, for me.) I want to do everything I can so that they will live happy lives...and, generally, I think that they are very happy. I hear an awful lot of happy chirping, and bruxing coming from their direction. But I feel just awful that I'm not able to give them cool, comfortable playtime for as long as they want to play. I try to give them everything that is wonderful to a rat...I try out all of the toys and games that I read about. It's getting tough for me to find "new" gifts for them, since they are very spoiled. But they make me happy simply by being themselves, and I truly want to pay them back with the most beautiful life possible.
Here is a pic of the mansion, so you can see the setup, and draw conclusions about where "cool things" should be put. (These kids are pretty darn good at finding the coolest parts of their home!)
Thanks for your help!
)
