Hypothermia impairs learning in rats! Choosing the right pool temperature in Morris Water Maze.

Pool Temperature

Experience has shown that 26C +-2 deg is good for rats although some workers have been known to use lower temperatures [1]. Some users at 28C and that cools to 24 deg by the end of the day. A warm lab reduces the rate of cooling.  Other users uses a thermostatic valve to fill at 26 deg C, and then tops-up with hot water during the day.

Most users dry their rodents with a towel or with absorbent tissue.  We have seen labs where heat-lamps are used to dry animals - sounds good, but might be a cue for swimming animals?