Back and forth between Mice and Rats

[scalrtn]

Unlike many in the forum, I have one, single Ball Python pet, and I'm not planning to get any more. I enjoy my one pet immensely, and don't have the breeding/collecting "bug," (though I really appreciate the knowledge and interest of those who do). Being retired, if all things go well, my young snake may very well outlive me . That said,

Because I have only one snake, buying feeder rats online is impractical because of shipping costs/freezer keep time/logistics. Online purchase seems to be the only way to get rat pups or weaned rats (the size my snake currently needs), because no local suppliers carry them... if they do, they seem to run out immediately, or sell all their small rats before they reach pup size. One place does carry rat fuzzies, but I have to drive a good distance to get there. Thus far, they've been what I've been feeding my snake, but he's now at a size (26 inches, 230 grams) where they're too small. I switched him to rats soon after I got him, on advice of some here in the forums. I had NO trouble with the switch.

I feel I need to switch back to (large) mice now, because small rats (smallest available from local suppliers) are just too big. Just wondering if other owners with just one or a few pets have gone through the same thing, and if switching back and forth between mice and rats is doable as size/growth dictates. And no, I don't want to breed my own rats...

Thanks!

[Cyndymei]

Well, I have two snakes and have found going to reptile shows the easiest option and I just stock up there. For my male Kaa, I had to switch back to jumbo mice for awhile before I could get the rats and he switches no problem. Then again, he would eat anything you give him.

If you are unable to go to shows, online is the best option I think. I know it's expensive for one snake, but comparing to the local pet stores it's much cheaper. 10 jumbo rats from layne labs cost me $45 or so because of shipping, and they were all as advertised, but at a show I was able to get 12 small to medium rats for about $15. I don't think you'll have an issue with spoiling if you order online, I have all of mine separated in plastic baggies and in one big ziploc bag according to size so you can just thaw as needed without thawing out the whole pack.

[CORBIN911]

Frozen rats can last more then a year. Buying 50+ gives you free packing.

You can go with a estimate 60-100g weight gain per 4-5 weeks. In order to buy your rat supply.

If you want to feed live and back and forth it's fine. But frozen mice/rats will last along time

[scalrtn]

Thanks, is the 50+ order ship discount pretty much standard from all the online suppliers? If not, which supplier do you use (Layne Labs?). Also, someone told me once it's not a good idea to store frozen rodents more than a couple of months. Is it it vacuum packing that makes for a longer safe-keep period?

[CORBIN911]

Well there's a few. It's more so a discount on the styrafoam you don't have to pay for. I think it's standard. Shipping is usually 10$

So you'd by a year supply if rats for 60-70$ (if he's a HE you can stop at smalls) You also could look for local rat breeders (some deliver, my guy delivers me my FT every month. And will deliver live every Thursday if needed) just throw some gas $$ there way.

And as far as life span. I believe anything with hair can last 12-15 months and be Eh Ok

[scalrtn]

Another question on buying in quantity.... Rats/mice come vacuum-sealed in packs of 10-20-25 etc. based on size. So let's say I get 25 rat pups in a pack that's "vacuum-sealed" to preserve freshness. I have to break the seal to get the rats out for feeding one by one (they're not individually sealed apparently ). I wouldn't keep a steak in the freezer for half a year...won't the rats at the back end of the "25 week package" be a little dried out/lack freshness when they're finally used for feeding? How do you keep remaining frozen feeders fresh once the seal's broken on the original packaging, or shouldn't I worry about it (?) Hope this makes sense......

[CORBIN911]

If you use a good ziplock bag you'll be fine

And at worste a little freezer burn will usually only effect the tail/feet. Little water will re hydrate when dethawing

[CptJack]

I only have 4 snakes and I'm done. I still buy in bulk and did from the time I got my first snake. The absolute truth is, it's just easier -and cheaper. I buy from Big Cheese Rodent Factor, buy about every 6 months, and promptly stop caring. If prey-size ends up being too small, I feed every 4 days or so until they gain enough weight to take 2 and I've used them up and am ready to place the next order.

I'm lazy. I find paying 1.32 for a 2 gram pinkie mouse absolutely ridiculous. I hate driving and the partial thaw that happens while in the car (doesn't happen when you get a box packed with dry ice). I hate store hopping to see what people have and trying to get as close as I can to what I want. I hate even having to remember to make a trip to do it. Once every 6 months, online order, and I've got food for them in the freezer. I do just use zip top bags and sometimes double bag to prevent something like freezer burn.

And for what it's worth I absolutely keep human food in the freezer for a year. Not wide open and without being sealed but wrapped in freezer paper and in a zip bag? Yep. If kept properly cold it's not an issue.

(Interesting story: The closest petstore to me said that they didn't have enough snakes to buy in bulk, when we suggested an online vendor for frozen rodents, after they complained about local supply issues. I don't even know what that means. I have FOUR. I can sure as heck still buy in bulk and, well, I'd like to support local businesses but not at 1.32 per 2 grams of mouse.)

[FireStorm]

I just wanted to chime in and say that I raise mice, rats, and ASF. My breeders eat whatever I need to feed off and are always switching between the 3 prey types. I tend to keep snakes that are being sold on rats for the convenience of buyers. Out of about 60 breeder females and 20 breeder males, plus some holdbacks, I have one female who only takes ASF (I bought her as a problem feeder and paid accordingly) and 2 males that prefer mice but will take rats if they are hungry enough. So if you decide not to order F/T switching back and forth is a viable option most of the time.

[scalrtn]

Thanks all! I just ordered a combination of rat pups and weanlings from Big Cheese Rodents. Really appreciate the replies !!

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