"I have used a vacuum sealer and IMO and this pertains to older rats as I don't use pinks. They do spoil overtime, remember there is stuff on the inside..."
I agree. I've never used a vacuum sealer or vacuum sealed rodents but I feel that it's usually overrated. While air within the bag can make a difference, I believe that the temperature it's kept at is more important.
I've been freezing my own rodents for about 3 - 4 years now and have used some that were over a year old without the any problems. My snakes took them just as fast as they do fresh-killed.
I've also thawed to room temperature for a few hours or so & then refreezed without any ill effects to the snakes that ate them.
Do I make a habit of these things? No, I don't. But it happens from time to time. I've seen snakes eat rodents that were beginning to rot and there were no ill effects to the snakes.
I can perfectly understand some people pampering their captives and not feeding them anything they're unsure of. The key to that usually is that they are "unsure" of the outcome. I am not knocking that or anyone with those views. My point is that it doesn't equate to it being harmful. My years of personal experience tells me otherwise. In most cases, the nutrient loss is very minimal and not even worth considering if it's done occasionally.
The rodents in question in the original post will be perfectly fine to use under the conditions mentioned. I'll stand behind that assurance.
Take care!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American
www.natures-signature.com
