Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry for the off topic post, but I feel like I know most of you better than people on other forums.

For the first time in years I need to order my own frozen rodents. I'm looking for rodents that are packaged well, not stuck together, and without blackened bellies.

Also, I need a supplier who will have the package arrive on the day I request and by 3:30 PM.

I'm willing to pay a bit extra for this. Who should I use?
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

I am not 100% sure I want to know, but curiosity has gotten the better of me... What happens that the frozen rodents get blackened bellies?

Elizabeth
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1.0 Uro Archimedes
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin

>>What happens that the frozen rodents get blackened bellies?

Once rodents are euthanized they need to be cooled and or frozen separately before being packaged together. Otherwise you end with an impressive "lump o' rodents" that requires power tools to separate

Freezing this way is expensive and time consuming process for rodent suppliers. It is not always done correctly.

If this process is delayed or not done quickly enough there is a post-mortem effect of the liver leaking some bile which is imbibed into the skin. This is seen as a blackened belly on the rodent.

It's not dangerous to the snake per se. They do end up eating bile indirectly anyways. It can, at times, be an indication of a rodent that has started to rot a bit before freezing.

In my case snakes of the genus Gonyosoma seem to avoid rodents smelling like bile.

They're worth the effort

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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Thanks Chris,

I had definitely not thought about that. That is a GORGEOUS snake by the way. amazing color!

Elizabeth
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1.0 Uro Archimedes
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin

big cheese rodent factory to my liking.there prices are about the same as rodentpro,but i feel they have several advantages.BCRF packages in smaller quantities and the main reason i choose them is that they vacuum pack there rodents for extended storage.on a $100 order BCRF was two dollars more than rodentpro.recently i ordered 200 mice hoppers that are normally 50 to a package,i asked if they could package 25 and it was no problem.i should mention that i once received an order where the feeders were smaller than they should have been and i was given a choice between crediting my account or refunding the purchase price.on my next order they gave me a package of feeders that was far more than my shortage.also you can save a few bucks by requesting 2 day service,they don't guarantee the shipment but there packing is overkill.i have ordered 2 day service in the middle of summer from texas to upper michigan and the feeders were rock hard.they harvest the feeders on tue. and ship on wed.HAVE FUN!

i have ordered from Cajun Mice and been very satisfied. Vacuum sealed, clean and overnight shipment.I think they are in your area of the country. By the way thanks for all your info on cages and racks.
Cajun Mice

With those criteria Chris, I would recommend Cajun Mice.