Ordering frozen: is it worth it?

[Mindibun]

I've been really put-off to the frozen rodents in the area lately. They often seem old, and tonight two of the three that I bought were covered in urine.

So I'd like to try ordering online from a company that specializes in frozen rodents. The problem is this: I only have three snakes, all of which eat a different size prey. (mice hoppers, adult mice, and rat pups)

Most online companies offer prey in packages of 25-50 or more. They won't allow me to purchase smaller groupings, and since it would only be one snake eating out of each package, it doesn't seem to be worth it. The food would go bad long before I had a chance to make use of it.

Are there any other options for me? I can't breed my own food, and I can't order large quantities of frozen feeders.

[Argentra]

Umm... why would the food go bad? Just get a vacuum sealer (a great help for normal kitchen things as well) and you're set. Sealed like that, rodents can last up to a year if kept frozen.

25-50 isn't bad. Just get a package of each size, making sure they cover from small end to larger within that size for growth, and you'll save on shipping as well.

[bruster]

rat pup and adult mice seem close in weight from most companies that produce rodents. why not try and see if the two snakes that feed on rat pups and adult mice will feed on one or the other so u only make two order sizes instead of three.

[Mindibun]

rat pup and adult mice seem close in weight from most companies that produce rodents. why not try and see if the two snakes that feed on rat pups and adult mice will feed on one or the other so u only make two order sizes instead of three.

Tried that; not that simple. -lol-
As for purchasing a vacuum sealer, well that was only out of the question because I didn't know I could do that. How much does one cost and where might I find one?

[Nate]

why go out of your way and buy a vacuum sealer and spend all the time vacuum sealing, when Big Cheese does it for you

They're not the only ones who vacuum seal for you, but I am a satisfied customer of theirs

[Mindibun]

Big Cheese was the main company I was looking at. But once I open the package it's no longer vacuum sealed, and the food will only last a few months. At least, that's what I thought.

[Nate]

vacuum sealed...it will last MUCH longer than a few months. I'd put a bet on 1 year or more if it's a good seal.

[Argentra]

Of course... but the point is that once you open that seal it's not vacumm packed any longer and you have to repack it.

I got my sealer from WalMart. They're kinda expensive at $70-$100, but they pay for themselves in the amount of money they save you for stored foods NOT going bad...as well as the ability to keep frozen rodents good a lot longer.
Mine is a FoodSaver. Works great!

[Clementine_3]

Mine is a FoodSaver. Works great!

I couldn't agree more! I've had my FoodSaver for a long, long time now and it just keeps on working!
We have 4 snakes between my son and myself, 3 feeder sizes going right now and we order from The Mouse Factory (love them too!). We just open a vacuumed sealed bag, get the rats out and seal it back up again...they last forever (well, until we need to order more anyway!). A vacuum sealer really is the way to go and you will use it for your actual food too...they do save a lot of money in the long run.

[Wh00h0069]

Another option would be to see if you have a reptile show that is in your area. Rodent Pro comes to all of the reptile shows in my area. I can just buy from them while at the show. You may have a frozen rodent vendor at your show. You could most likely call them ahead of time, and order a certain amount. I'm sure they could hook you up.

If you would rather purchase online, American Rodent Supply is great quality frozen rodents. I like their packaging better than any other frozen rodents suppliers that I have bought from.

Hope this helps.