Reusing rodents

[FireTigress]

Is there anyway to disinfect rodents that were left uneaten by one of your snakes so you can feed them to another. One of my balls wouldn't eat his rat and I hate to waste it. Its already been thawed once so I can't freeze it again right?

[Rikki]

I asked this before and was told No.

[kpugh]

It's not a good idea to re-use a refused meal for another snake. We feed them to our caimen...others feed them to monitors or other 'garbage pail' feeders - stuff that eats carion...maybe you should look at adding something like that to your collection? :)

[mcfreshdeli]

There's always the friendly neighborhood buzzard or vulture. i'm sure they would appreciate it.

[FireTigress]

Yeah, theres another good excuse for me to get a tegu. Well I know a couple gators who might like them I guess.

[mykee]

Would you eat a steak that you thawed in the fridge for three days, decided not to eat and re-froze? That's kinda gross. Your snakes are no different. If you honestly feel that tossing a thawed $1 mouse is a "waste"..

[FireTigress]

I know that refreezing meat is bad. And I feel worse about wasting rats then mice.

[sapphire_moon]

must be nice! frozen mice cost 1.50 and up here. (sheeze, pinks cost 50cents and up!)

If it weren't so expensive i'd just buy f/t every week.

[fedupdon]

just a quick note would not make a habit of it but ive seen wild reptiles feeding on roadkill i watched a box turtle eat a dead sparrow with relish

[havenbounce]

I've read a couple of articles (one on kingsnake.com) that said to get some snakes to start eating f/t rodents that it sometimes helps to thaw and refreeze than thaw again (this makes the scent more appealing to a snake) But I don't think it would be the same thing as thawing and letting it sit around for a few hours than refreezing.
I have defrosted a rodent left it in my balls enclosure late at night and if it's still there a few hours later I would than try it on my boa who eats during daytime hours. If he doesn't take it right away than I throw it out.
I think it's amusing that people hate throwing out a rat because their snake wasn't hungry but have no problems throwing out their own half eaten meals. (come on we've all done it without giving it a second thought) :rolleyes:
Ginnette