Frozen Rodent Shipment Came 1/2 Thawed!

Quick question. I placed my 2nd frozen rat order with a company that I really love. Unfortunately, the box arrived at my place at close to 5pm (must have been near the end of the route today) and it's at least 90 degrees out. I pulled the box in ASAP since I'd been waiting for it all day and noticed that the dry ice bag was empty and rats seemed to be 1/2 thawed.

I threw them in my chest freezer immediately, but I can't help but wondering if I should be worried about re-freezing them at this point... Can anyone confirm or deny whether re-freezing 1/2 thawed rodent might cause a problem and be un-safe to feed to my Ball Pythons? I know they eat much worse in the wild, but I wouldn't take the chance if there was cause to worry...

I appreciate any feedback!

I don't think it's a problem. I've heard that you can re freeze a rodent once but after that it could get iffy. That's all the knowledge that I have to give.


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Should be fine. You can re-freeze them. I just wouldn't do it over and over. One time is fine.

Let me try to define "1/2 thawed" in case it might help (It might have seemed worse that it actually is.) I pulled one of them out to thaw fully for feeding tonight. The fir is fully thawed and the rate gives the slightest bit when I apply pressure, but the core is still frozen frozen...

depending on how defrosted they were would depend on if i kept them or just threw them out.

Maybe call the company? A lot of times (at least the company I get my rats and mice from) will send a new shipment if they aren't frozen when they arrive. It couldn't hurt to call and ask. If they will replace the rats, it would help your peace of mind.

If the rodents were thawed, call the company immediately. The fur shouldn't really feel 'frozen' even if the rat itself is frozen.

If they are thawed, I would not want to refreeze and rethaw for my snakes. I wouldn't thaw and refreeze chicken for me to eat, so I wouldn't want to do that for my snakes.

I know at least one company will make it right if you contact them immediately. I don't know which company you used though.

Once is ok twice not as nice


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I would definitely try contacting the company and see if they will replace the rodents. I would be a little iffy since it was so hot out. Were they still cold to the touch when you took them out?

I just wonder about the shipper at this point. The box was clearly marked frozen wasn't it? I would really hope they'd want to move that right a long.


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