Freezing Rats

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

I have put about 500 rats into the freezer so far. My first bunch I packed into freezer bags, 3-4 per bag, with most of the air pushed out. My latest bunch Ive been individually sealing in vacuum packed freezer storage (seal a meal type thing).

I'm just wondering how much longer rats keep when vacuum packed compared to just in ziploc freezer bags. I know Ive ordered pinks/fuzzies from a few different places and they all came in normal freezer bags.

I figure that it costs about 10-13 cents per large rat with the vacuum pack method, and pennies when using zip loc.

Any input is appreciated.

Edit: For those who vac pack, do you pre-freeze them partway first? I've been using the gentle vacuum but there is still a little leaking from the nose/ears when vacuuming them freshly killed.

[frankykeno]

I know The Mouse Factory vaccuum seals each tray. I would think they must slightly pre-freeze Bryan as if not the rats on each styrofoam tray would stick together and freeze in a lump. Since you can open the package and sort of pop one free then they must be partly frozen first, then laid on the tray and vac packed then.

Here's a link showing their packaging.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...=mouse+factory

[Ginevive]

I have found that they get freezer burn in regular freezer bags. I used our food sealer and they seem to keep much better vacuum sealed. If i were doing it large scale like you are, I would def. go w/ a vacuum sealer! We got a nice one cheap at Big Lots.

[xdeus]

I vacuum pack them about 20 to a bag after they're frozen. It probably doesn't get as much air out as when they're F/K, but I don't have any problems with leakage. The biggest problem I've found is that I have to watch out for their claws. Quite often one will poke through during the vacuum process and I have to reseal them in a new bag.

[frankykeno]

I think that may be why The Mouse Factory puts them on those styrofoam flats (like your steak would come on in the grocery store). I'm just guessing but they always come packed belly down and legs tucked under so their claws would have the styrofoam between the claws and the plastic. Might be worth a try as you can buy a huge bag of those cheap from any restaurant supply place.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

I think that may be why The Mouse Factory puts them on those styrofoam flats (like your steak would come on in the grocery store). I'm just guessing but they always come packed belly down and legs tucked under so their claws would have the styrofoam between the claws and the plastic. Might be worth a try as you can buy a huge bag of those cheap from any restaurant supply place.

Hrm, anyone know where they get those trays

[Wild Bill]

Hrm, anyone know where they get those trays

http://www.instawares.com/detail.asp?product_id=4SYLGP

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

I had problems with the claws too. I used to cut the nails off with a pair of scissors I had around. Not as many leaks as before but still some. I know you can get those trays at sams club as well.

[frankykeno]

Gordon Food Services should have them but not sure if they have a store in your area. Here's the link....

http://www.gfs.com/