Remember to keep your rats cooled off this summer! Here's some tips how:
There are several ways to keep your rats cool during these hot months. I personally used to feel up little tub-a-ware containers with water and then froze it. After it was solid I would place one in the cage for the ratties to lay around or on top of if need be. Some other ideas are:
having your rats "fish" for peas.Place some frozen peas in a food dish and then fill with water. The rats will fish them out as though they were bobbing for apples! It is really entertaining and cute and keeps those ratties nice and cool.
Another thing I heard of was placing a terra cotta pot in the cage it keeps them cool and gives them a place to sleep.
Freeze fruit for them. Such as watermelon, corn, and blueberries.
Place their huts such as those plastic igloos in the freezer.
Now things to look out for our lethargic, drooling, panting, or sprawled out rats. This means they are getting too hot. Always keep fresh cold water available for them to drink.
And that is about all you need to know as far as trying to keep your rats from overheating.
here is a great link if you need further information: http://www.dapper.com.au/articles.htm#cool