Quote Originally Posted by clockwork View Post
you REALLY should find a different supplier other than pet/co/smart. They only have 1 size of f/t rats and they are incredibly over priced (7.00 EACH). and the come in a container of two and look scrawny. This is the experience i have had with the chain pet stores near me. I'm lucky enough to have 2 reptile breeders and suppliers within 30 minutes driving distance. Look into them. You wil always get a better quality item at a better price, often they have bulk discounts. (my 10 small rats cost me 33.00 with tax or so, at pet dumb that would be closer to 70.00 for lesser quality rats that are the wrong size).

And as far as the water thing goes, maybe my girl is different but she will absolutely not eat a rat if it is dry, she likes them wet.

With the smell issue; a bad rat smells bad, a good rat smells kind of earthy and rodent-like, its a mild non offensive smell that you have to be right on top of them to smell. Sometimes, you'll get the occasional rodent that partly thawed (maybe it was near the door in the freezer, etc). the bellies on them will be soft and very red, I don't feed these, I just toss them.

good luck with the switch!
Thanks. I guess I make one more trip to the local reptile guy then, despite really not wanting to.