Defective mouse?

I bought 2 fuzzy mice today from the pet store. One i just fed to the snake and he snatched it up about an hour ago. The second one I was looking it over and it look like it has some stuff in it's fur. Almost looks like dirt?

They are very small but It kinda looks like one of the specs is moving.

Is this some kind of parasite on the mouse? Are they harmful to a snake? Do you guys look your mice over before feeding?

I didn't really think about any of those things until I noticed that

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Originally Posted by Snikt228

I bought 2 fuzzy mice today from the pet store. One i just fed to the snake and he snatched it up about an hour ago. The second one I was looking it over and it look like it has some stuff in it's fur. Almost looks like dirt?

They are very small but It kinda looks like one of the specs is moving.

Is this some kind of parasite on the mouse? Are they harmful to a snake? Do you guys look your mice over before feeding?

I didn't really think about any of those things until I noticed that

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Was this a live fuzzy? I think i would find somewhere else to buy my rodents from.

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Originally Posted by joepythons

Was this a live fuzzy? I think i would find somewhere else to buy my rodents from.

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Yeah, i'm feeding live. I didn't even think to check it before i left the store since it's just a feeder mouse.

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Originally Posted by Snikt228

Yeah, i'm feeding live. I didn't even think to check it before i left the store since it's just a feeder mouse.

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Hmm maybe someone else will pop in here as i have never noticed bugs or such in my rodents ever.:confused:

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Originally Posted by Snikt228

I didn't even think to check it before i left the store since it's just a feeder mouse.

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Feeders or not. They are what makes your snake thrive. Always buy the healthiest and best looking feeder mouse or rat (or hatever you choose to feed) because just remember, if they are well cared for and healthy, your snake will be healthy off of them. Are you going to take back the "defected" mouse to get your money back and go elsewhere to buy a good feeder? Whatever you choice. G'luck with the feed :)

If they are black and moving they could be fleas...I have seen fleas on the rats and mice at our local pet shop. I would find a new pet shop to buy from...the fleas won't hurt your snake directly but they carry disease that can get into the blood stream of the mouse and cause issues if really infected.


For this case I would use a hair dryer (air no heat) and blow off the mouse and then feed it.