Signs of good vs bad f/t feeder rats?

Just wondering if there are 'signs' as to whether your feeder rats are good quality, culled humanely, etc. I just got a batch from a new breeder and they have blood frozen around their lips/nose- is this a sign they had a less-than-humane death? Thanks for any and all info!

Not necessarily, sometimes co2 or vacuum sealing can do that. Good quality feeders shouldn't be bony and have a healthy coat of fur (when applicable) and should appear clean... a small amount of urine smell is normal, but if they are covered In pee or poop that's probably not a good thing. Also, when thawed they will often have an odd unpleasant smell, like raw meat... that's normal, but if they smell foul and rotten then they obviously aren't any good.

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Originally Posted by Alter-Echo

Not necessarily, sometimes co2 or vacuum sealing can do that. Good quality feeders shouldn't be bony and have a healthy coat of fur (when applicable) and should appear clean... a small amount of urine smell is normal, but if they are covered In pee or poop that's probably not a good thing. Also, when thawed they will often have an odd unpleasant smell, like raw meat... that's normal, but if they smell foul and rotten then they obviously aren't any good.

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Exactly the info I was hoping for, thank you! These are free of any urine/feces and are plump with healthy/silky fur so I guess they're great quality! Thanks so much for the help! :D Glad to hear that the blood isn't a bad sign!