Keeping mice warm

Question
I'm a classroom teacher and always like having something alive in my classroom (being a science teacher and all). I've been considering getting mice for a while, but I have a problem. My school is in a chilly coastal region, and during the night, especially during winter, it can get pretty cold... Especially since they don't turn the heat on at night.

I know mice need to be kept warm, but would a heating pad under half the cage and plenty of warm nesting materials be enough? I'm asking before I get any because the last thing I want to do is endanger the mice. Lows are around 45-50 Fahrenheit. If you can suggest anything that would keep them comfortable through a cold winter night let me know. If I should just not get them, that's fine, too. I've owned rodents before, but never in cold conditions.

Answer
Hi Dani,

Mice need two things in terms of temperature - to be between about 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on what they are most used to), and to have a more or less stable temperature.  If the classroom is warm during the day, but suddenly drops at night, it could put stress on their systems and make them more prone to illness.  So I do agree with you about keeping them warm, and the heating pad is certainly a good idea you can try.  You're spot on about putting it beneath half of the cage as well, so they can move depending on what they need.  One thing to consider about it however is that if they burrow through the bedding and get too close to the heater they can get burned, or overheat accidentally, since the warmer is only contacting part of the cage and not warming up the environment or the air.

Something I have used with great success in the past when my own heater has gone out in the winter (yipes!) was a portable room heater.  It isn't very expensive, and has the ability to warm a single room up quite a bit.  Placing one a few feet from the cage will keep the surrounding area a stable temperature all night, and you can be sure of how warm it is getting and staying without a focused heat spot.  Plus, it's great to have on hand for your own home should you ever need it!

Getting mice is a great experience, so I wouldn't want temperature to keep you or your students from the joys of rodents.  I would try setting up a space heater somewhere in your classroom or home and seeing if it keeps a cage or enclosure at a decent temperature, and if that will work for you.  If not, you can always return it, and won't have to worry about the health of your future mice.

Good luck, and congratulations on your future possible mousies!
-Tam