How Long Are Frozen Rats Good For?

The best way to maintain frozen rats’ freshness is to purchase them from a quality supplier. If possible, buy them from a local breeder or pet store that understands the importance of feeding reptiles fresh food. If not, it’s best to discard them and purchase fresh ones for the next scheduled feeding time.

In order to preserve frozen rodents, you’ll need to store them below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent the rat’s body temperature from thawing, which is important because rats and mice can carry diseases harmful to humans. Thankfully, defrosting frozen rodents is fairly simple and doesn’t take long.

To thaw frozen rats for feeding to your snake, use a small heat lamp, low wattage, and a temperature of fifteen to twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. The heat lamp should be placed far enough away from the frozen prey to avoid damaging it. The temperature should be increased gradually, allowing the surface to warm evenly. Otherwise, the thin walls of the frozen rat may rupture.

When comparing frozen rats, check the weight of the rat before purchasing. Then, compare products with similar weights. Be sure to note the unit of measurement, which is usually grams.