Bought too many rats

I bought 100 frozen rats from Laynes Lab which will last 1 year for both of my ball pythons based on a weekly feeding schedule. Unfortunately I didn't do research before I ordered and now I just read somewhere that 1 year is too long to leave them in the freezer. What do you think?

I bought 100 frozen rats from Laynes Lab which will last 1 year for both of my ball pythons based on a weekly feeding schedule. Unfortunately I didn't do research before I ordered and now I just read somewhere that 1 year is too long to leave them in the freezer. What do you think?

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Originally Posted by mich

I bought 100 frozen rats from Laynes Lab which will last 1 year for both of my ball pythons based on a weekly feeding schedule. Unfortunately I didn't do research before I ordered and now I just read somewhere that 1 year is too long to leave them in the freezer. What do you think?

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IMO you can still feed them a year+ later, but ive noticed a vast difference in feeding response with a new feeder compared to an old one. sometimes they won't even go for them and you end up wasting them.

EDIT: i think after that long in the freezer, the feeders might not have a feeder smell anymore.

If you have access to a vacuum sealer, or are willing to purchase one, you can portion the rats out into feeding groups. The vacuum seal preserves freshness so they will last longer.

I was told only 6 months until they go "bad", but I've heard that you can still feed them like that, they'll just lose their "rat" smell. And they might get freezer burn. But as long as you're not feeding a super picky BP it might be alright.

from my post in your other thread [emoji6] :

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IMO you can still feed them a year+ later, but ive noticed a vast difference in feeding response with a new feeder compared to an old one. sometimes they won't even go for them and you end up wasting them.

EDIT: i think after that long in the freezer, the feeders might not have a feeder smell anymore.

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hey OP where are you located? and what size rats did you get?? 🤣 LBS

You can vacuum seal them and they will last for a year. Put enough for a month in each bag.

Or you can get more snakes...

If they come vacuum sealed - 1YR plus they are still fresh. I date all my vacuum sealed packages when they arrive and use them up oldest to newest.

Once the vacuum seal is broken, or if not shipped vacuum sealed, 6 months is about the limit.

Well. If you JUST ordered it. And if they havent shipped them to you yet. Call their number During Business Hours. Give them your info and request a change in your order. (I have done this in the past and they had Great Customer Service and the order changed just fine!)
If it is too late. Dont worry! If you store them correctly im sure they will be just Fine in a years time!