Shelf life of rodents

I have never refrozen, but I do leave them to thaw from hours to overnight. I understand why people do, whether not wanting to waste or cost. I figure it was supposed to be used anyway. I’m more likely to give uneaten to one of my more better eaters, then add a couple days till next feeding. As far as lasting in the freezer, I try not to keep them in there more then 8 to 9 months. But if packaged properly I’m pretty sure they can make a year no problem.

I haven't needed to refreeze recently since my current snakes never refuse meals anymore, but: Many experienced keepers suggest re-freezing just once is just fine, and many do, unless the rodent has really been left out to the point that it has gone bad.

That's why many suggest "leaving it overnight in the enclosure" for shy snakes that don't take food off the tongs right away- it's fine for a few hours for them to eat at some point in the night.

I now thaw my rats at room temperature, sometimes in warm water, and they often do sit there already thawed for an hour at least before I actually feed them off. (I'm really paranoid of the food still being slightly frozen on the inside) The snakes all take it gladly and have been doing so for years.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

I haven't needed to refreeze recently since my current snakes never refuse meals anymore, but: Many experienced keepers suggest re-freezing just once is just fine, and many do, unless the rodent has really been left out to the point that it has gone bad.

That's why many suggest "leaving it overnight in the enclosure" for shy snakes that don't take food off the tongs right away- it's fine for a few hours for them to eat at some point in the night.

I now thaw my rats at room temperature, sometimes in warm water, and they often do sit there already thawed for an hour at least before I actually feed them off. (I'm really paranoid of the food still being slightly frozen on the inside) The snakes all take it gladly and have been doing so for years.

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I also do this

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

That's why many suggest "leaving it overnight in the enclosure" for shy snakes that don't take food off the tongs right away- it's fine for a few hours for them to eat at some point in the night.

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There was a time when I first got my BP he ate like this, super shy and didn't strike or eat with me in the room, so I had to leave his f/t in the cage with him overnight for the first month (or two?) I had him. He usually ate within 2-3 hours but I'm sure the first few times it took him longer. Either way they were gone in the morning with issues.

My f/t keeps in the freezer for 9 months no problem. I havent had a big enough supply to last as long as a year but I'm sure they would be fine if packaged properly.