Is this freezer burn or something else??

I bought some frozen rats today. This was my second time buying from this particular pet store since I was in the area. I thought it would be okay once I thawed it out but it doesn't come off, even when I rub it. What is it? Is it safe? Should I take it back? There's no refunds, only exchanges or store credit but I don't even want anything else from the store if it's just as bad as this.

http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/2...6%3C3324nu0mrj

Not really sure what that is...all I know is I personally wouldn't feed that to my snakes!

when i used to get frozen rodents from pet stores, i frequently noticed spots like that. i assume them to be freezer burn, as well.

i now get mine from a rodent supplier and i never get mice like that. if possible i'd find a rodent supplier in your area, pet stores always charge an arm, leg, & kidney for them, and they're usually bad quality with freezer burn or arms missing or fur falling out.

Looks like freezer burn to me...just saying, as I cook for a living and have seen some horrific freezer burn in my life. It can happen many ways...improper packaging, frozen too long, sitting directly on steel/metal. Not quality feeding material.

I won't be feeding them to my snakes. This is some really ugly freezer burn then I guess. This pet store specializes in fish and reptiles and is only one of two stores in my area that even has feeders (excluding Petsmart). I've asked around before for a rodent supplier, posted on CL, etc. I'll just take my losses and won't go back to this store.

That type of freezer burn would most likely be caused by freezing the animal, then having if partially thaw, refreeze, and then ice crystals form directly on the skin. It boils down to improper methods really.

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Originally Posted by RobNJ

That type of freezer burn would most likely be caused by freezing the animal, then having if partially thaw, refreeze, and then ice crystals form directly on the skin. It boils down to improper methods really.

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I'm going to agree with you there, and ASSume you're a chef.. lol

Being a chef myself I've seen some pretty horrible freezer burn. LOT worse then this. Just don't use any animals that look like that and you should be fine.

Also.. if you can't find local there is always Rodentpro?

Yep that's freezer burn. Not harmful to your animal though. Probably detrimental to the nutritional value but not dangerous or anything. I agree I would find a new place for my feeders.

Completely agree with amon ra reptiles. Not dangerous, just ugly.
All that freezer burn is, is dehydration.

i get my suply from rodent pro, my pinkies/ hoppers come from them in perfect condition, but they get this freezer burn after taking them out and picking from the bag to get weekly feedings... not sure if there is a way to avoid it. i dont think that the freezer burn has anything to do with the nutritional value,,, or the lack there of.
spooky

Yes, it's freezer burn.. LIke stated above, it usually happens when they have been partially thawed, then refroze. It won't hurt your reptiles at all...
I sell them at a discounted rate when it happens to me, or just use them up myself...

Thanks everyone! I guess I'll go ahead and feed them to my snakes then. There's actually a new reptile shop opening soon and I was able to get in contact with the owner to get me some frozen rats. If all goes well then I can continue to do business with him instead. I wish there were more shows in my area..I really liked the rats from Layne Labs that I got before.

Well, if it helps, you cna't judge a shop by the fact that the pinks have freezer burn... If they open and close the same bag, they're gonna get freezer burn. I make mine in packs of 12/25/50, etc so it doesn't happen, but I'm sure once they start using them at home and resealing, they probably get a little freezer burn...
The rats and mice get it too, you just can't see it for the fur...