Young feeders dying

[MisterKyte]

So, I recently did a pick up of about ten small rats, froze half for later, and kept the others alive for the snakes that only take live. This was about two weeks ago and of those original five, only one is left as the others have all been dying off for seemingly mysterious reasons. The rats were all doing well, eating, being active, breathing properly but suddenly they start dropping a lot of weight and seem to develop breathing problems followed by death within a few days. I'm a little concerned for the last one as one of my friends actually wanted to buy him off from me so I'd feel kind of bad if he ended up dead like the rest so I'm wondering if anyone has seen anything like this in the past or what.

Also, I froze the ones that did die and I'm wondering if they're still safe to feed to my snakes. I'm assuming they are but you can never be to careful.

/Edit: This hasn't happened with the others that have died (or at least I didn't notice it) but this rat is making some kind of chattering noise all the time.

[wilomn]

You've got some sort of upper respiratory problem. Freeze off the last one and find a new source. Your snakes will have no problems from eating them.

[MisterKyte]

No quick fix home remedies there, eh?
That's slightly unfortunate.

[wilomn]

The reality is that it would cost you far more to treat, and with no guarantee of success, than it would to simply replace it. I would recommend you find another source if you're looking for breeding stock.