Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am going to be ordering a huge amount of mice soon.

I currently have no need for pinkies, but I will in about 7-8 months and would like to buy some now just so I don't need to order more later.

I know that furred mice can be kept for up to 3 years if vacuum sealed, but what about pinkies?

I've had pinkies get horrible freezer burn in less than a month without being vacuum sealed. If I vacuum seal them, will they last until July or August?

Thanks.

Though I am not sure how long pinky mice will last in the freezer even if vacuumned packed, I would recommend waiting a few months more before ordering them. 6-7 months ahead of time is a bit too early in my opinion. I would order in March or April if you are needing them in June for your hatchlings (assuming that is why you are wanting pinkies for).

I have used pinkies up to one year old in the freezer and they were ok.
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Greg Holland
G&M HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net

I can't beleive that you can keep sealed mice for three years. You must have heard that from a vacuume sealer salesman.

The only difference between freezer burn on furred mice and pinkies is that pinkies don't have any fur so you see the skin discoloration that can't be seen on furred mice.

You should look at your mice and freezer burn the same as your family does with steak and other frozen food. Freezer burn won't harm your snake but it will make the mouse less nutritious. It will make the mouse smell enough different that the snake may not eat it.

Don't order the pinkies if it is just a matter of convience. I try not to keeps mice for more than six months, you can but it's better if you don't.

Wade
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

Actually I've never kept mine for 3 years. That's just what I've been told by a few rodent dealers.

So far the longest I've kept mice has been about 1.5 years, and they have all looked and smelled fine to me and my snakes.

Normally, I try to buy a supply that will last me just a year, but it usually lasts longer than I expect.