storing rodent block

[stormwulf133]

I have a question about storing a large amount of rodent block. I don't have many rodents but found its MUCH cheaper to buy in bulk. How should I store the food? Is it ok to freeze it? I am using 6f btw. I don't want it to draw bugs. I can't find any cheap air tight containers around here btw.

[Clear]

How many are you going to buy and how long will it take you to use it all up?

[littleindiangirl]

Most bags of rodent block can be stored at 70-72 degrees with up to 40% humidity for 6 months.

As for bugs, I've gotten bags with bugs in them, but not from Mazuri product. Yes it can be frozen.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I would thing that if you freeze the lab blocks once you decide to thaw them the moisture would turn your lab blocks into mash which would quickly start rotting/molding making it unsuitable for consumption. Just a theory never tried.

[Clear]

I agree with deborah, I wouldnt feeze them. If you will be using it all up within 6 months I wouldnt worry about storage, just a clean dry spot.

[wilomn]

I've seen lab blocks frozen and unfrozen with no change to the blocks.

I don't remember what brand it was but it was about 30 bags that had weevils in them. The guy froze them all to kill the weevils and it had no effect on the chow.

Might be mazuri goes all mushy, don't know for sure.

[littleindiangirl]

From Harlan: (And I assume it would work for most blocks)
http://www.harlan.com/research_model...iets_faqs.hl#7
7. What is the shelf life of standard diets?

There is no definitive point where one is able to predict when a specific diet will spoil or become deficient in one or more nutrients. However, based on various studies and longstanding standard industry practice, we have some general recommended guidelines. Storage of all of our standard natural ingredient diets at or below 70 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity at or below 50% will maintain the nutritional quality for 6 months (shelf-life). Increases in temperature and humidity above these values will hasten the degradation of various nutrients and increase the probability that the diet may not meet the nutritional requirements of the target animal. In addition, diets should be stored in a clean area free of pests with no exposure to direct light. Given these conditions all of our standard natural ingredient diets for laboratory animals can be fed through 6 months from the date of manufacture. Standard natural ingredient diets that are vacuum packaged and irradiated may be fed through 9 months after the date of manufacture.

[Argentra]

I use one of these to store my Mazuri block:

Stackable Pet Food Storage Bin

Closes up fairly tight and works well so far. Mine holds 40lb, so I also have a 10gal bucket to hold the extra which I use first.

[nixer]

I use one of these to store my Mazuri block:

Stackable Pet Food Storage Bin

Closes up fairly tight and works well so far. Mine holds 40lb, so I also have a 10gal bucket to hold the extra which I use first.

i wish i could use that i use a huge garbage can with wheels on it. you might not want airtight as it could condensate inside with temp changes (hence those silica gel packs alot of food containers).

[littleindiangirl]

We use two 50 pound vanness pet food holders that seal, never a problem and it does keep food fresher.