I just bought 10 ratsicles from my local pet store as feeders, and when I thawed the first one for my ball python tonight it smelled so bad I thought I'd left it out too long. So I threw it away and grabbed another - but this one stinks to high heaven as well! Are these rats ok to feed my snakes? I've never smelled anything like this from frozen feeders! Waaay more than the usual vermin "aroma."
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~Cynthia
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Extra-stinky rats - help!
curaniel
Feb 17, 2011 12:24 AM
Replies (5)
Kelly_Haller
Feb 17, 2011 11:17 AM
Defrost one of the rats at room temp and when totally thawed, grasp a bunch of hair on its belly between your fingers and pull down toward the tail. If the hair slips off the skin or the skin slips off, they are too far gone to safely use. This is called the slip test and is the best way to check rodents for the initial stages of decomposition.
Kelly
curaniel
Feb 18, 2011 11:14 PM
Thanks Kelly, I'm going to take them back; when I went to pick up the second one, it just *liquified* that isn't normal!!
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~Cynthia
IslandsExotics
Feb 18, 2011 12:26 PM
I'd take them back. I lost my annie to a bad rat that caused her to regurgitate and she never stopped. The rat never smelled bad and passed the slip test, but she still died after having her for 3 years.
Kelly_Haller
Feb 18, 2011 05:52 PM
What do you believe caused the death of that anaconda? I've seen boas and pythons eat mice and rats in the initial stages of decomposed without issue on numerous occasions. A large feeder animal at 85 to 90 degrees in the stomach of a boid will be in the advanced stages of decomposition before it is actually digested, and it does not cause any issues. I would have to believe that there was something else involved than just a decomposition issue with that feeder.
Kelly
MoonlightBoas
Feb 21, 2011 12:34 PM
If the freshness of feeder mice or rats is ever in question, you're always better off throwing them away or returning them. Even newborn baby snakes can go weeks and months without eating. However, one rancid meal can greatly harm a snake.
Cynthia, I'm glad you decided to return the feeders. If you have trouble finding quality frozen feeders at your local pet store, you may have better luck ordering from one of the online companies.
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Paul D
