Quote Originally Posted by bproffer View Post
I was just looking into this so perfect timing. I have a local source for live. Rat pinkies up to weaned rats are 1.50 ea. $2.00 for small rats, 2.50 for medium and 3.00 or 3.50 for large if they have them.

Currently I have 2 snakes but I plan on getting more next year. My little girl is currently eating rat fuzzies and the boy is eating pups. After I priced everything out, Big Cheese was actually a few dollars less expensive than the local source. This was before the supplies I need for the euthanization tank. I previously used dry ice for my co2 source but will be switching to a co2 tank.

Since I don't know how fast my current snakes will grow out of eating their current prey size, I am ok paying a few dollars more to not have to buy in bulk quantities. That way I won't be stuck with excess prey that is too small for my snakes. If I knew that my snakes would be eating the same size prey over the next 6 months, I would definitely buy in bulk. Much less hassle.
CO2 tank is the way to go. I have a 20lb tank that will last for years on 1 fill! I think fresh kill gives you the safest (vs feeding live) and quickest (vs thawing) way to feed. It will also allow the OP to continue to support his local mom and pop store if he would like. The other benefit is that if the snake goes off feed for that day you can freeze it and save it for the next feeding. This is a win all around. I currently breed my own rats and supplement from a local pet and garden center. This works great for me. It is a bit more expensive than ordering bulk but the fiance doesn't want a freezer full of rats either lol.