Making a rodent rack???

First of all this is my first post at this site (and any reptile forum for that matter, from my knowledge). This is a great site, anyways. I don't have a snake yet but am planning on getting one soon. So I was going to starte breeding mice again. I had done this before with 10 gallon aquariums but wanted to make a rack. As far as heat goes I heard about flexwatt. I've never heard of this before and was having a hard time figuring out how to hook it up. The rack I wanted to make was the ones where the tubs hang from runners. Would it be possible to put a area of aluminum tape to the bottom of the tub and then the flexwatt, and then another run of aluminum tape to keep the rodents warm during winter times? The only reason I am asking is because the shed the will be in is uninsulated. Thanks for your time.

Where are you located? Mice are endothermic and should have no problems keeping warm, especially if kept in colonies. They should be able to keep each other plenty warm.

So is my shed, I use the shed spring through fall then I put mine in the back bayhroom. Mice are pretty hearty. How many mice were you thinking about? One snake may only need 1 small colony. Might wanna start out with a lab style cage (or even a 10 gallon set up). The racks are nice to have and as the mice colonies grow they are nice to keep things organized.

First I live in Ohio so the temps are everchanging. One day 25 next day 55. Well I plan on getting one or two snakes (corn first then ball python) plus I have a friend that could use them. So I figured until I get the snakes I'd get a 1:4 colony and start raising them for my friend. I've raised mice in the shed before but it was in an aqaurium (a little better insulated). I just plan on making a 4-5 tub rack for when the colony does expand. I will have a tub 2 tubs for weaned mice and two for breeders and one for what ever will be needed. Thank you for the replies.

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/rat_rack/ratrack.shtml
Heres a link with pics and detailed instructions. Hope it helps.

Sounds like you have a great plan. How big is your shed? mine is 24x20. I too do not want to take on an insulation project, I am going to have to put a covered area on the back do not have to park the riding mower inside.

I think your warming idea sounds good. Ohio can get really cold during the winter so I hope it works out... Let us know

repl

That is where I'm running into a little problem. I thought of it theroetically but I've never used flexwatt or a UTH for that matter and didn't know if a run of aluminum tape then the flexwatt and then another run of aluminum tape would work or not, as far as melting the bottom wise.

It shouldn't melt the bottom, but you also shouldn't need it. If you were to use a space heater on a quality thermostat you would accomplish the intended goal, much easier. Flexwatt on a rodent rack would be a pain and get in the way more than it would help, especially when you are not using it in the warmer months.

Well the problem is I really don't trust the space heaters I have or have seen. Even if they are on a thermostat. The shed is 12'x12' and not very insulated. During winter months I put plastic over the vents and half the door to prevent drafts but other than that its just wood. So the space heater would be running constantly. If I had the flexwatt idea the the heat would be more localized.

Try using a heater fan with a thermostat, I know Last month they were clearancing them out at Lowes. It may cost a little at first. Figure on a okay size one. All you would need is to keep the shed just above freezing. They should be fine(even when it does get freezing, they tend to do okay like Mike had mentioned earlier, they huddle and keep each other warm).

I agree with Mike. Flexwatt isn't going to work for what you are trying to do. A space heater would be much better. I don't know how your shed is built but insulation is cheap and easy to install. I think you're making this a lot harder than necessary.