i just got back from my local herp store where i paid $2 a piece for some (live) weaned rats. to me that's a pretty insane price, but it's the only place i can get them nearby and right now i have to feed live to a few of my snakes. as far as keeping them a few days before feeding to the snakes--i usually do, not because they might be sick or whatever, but just to get their bellies full of good healthy food.