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Old 12-19-11, 09:12 AM   #1
Sasha2
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Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

Ive stored up quite a few mice(from tiny pinks to adults), and am still breeding so more to come.Im just curious how long will they last? They're in ziploc bags.
If I were to get one of those vacumn sealers would it help them last longer or would it make that much of a difference?

Should I be dating and cycling them as I put them in the freezer? Im going to be adding another colony of mice in spring, so will have even more mice to freeze.Ive realized Ive just been stuffing them all in without much of a plan so need to get more organized.
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Old 12-19-11, 09:15 AM   #2
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

I would definitely cycle them so that oyu are using the "oldest" first when feeding them off. I only ever buy a months worth at a time (so that i HAVE to visit the reptile shop ) so cant tell you how long they last.
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Old 12-19-11, 09:17 AM   #3
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

As long as you keep them sealed and dont let them get freezer burnt they should be okay. I wouldn't thaw one and then refreeze it though.
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Old 12-19-11, 11:05 AM   #4
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

I treat my snake food like I treat my food. If you want to build up a large stock of frozen feeders I would invest in a Vacuum sealer. I think 2-3 months in a regular zip lock bag with as much of the air pushed out as you can would be ok as long as you are not always opening and shutting the bag. I portion out my snakes food by the month so that I only have 1 bag I open 3-4 times then all that food is gone.
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Old 12-19-11, 11:13 AM   #5
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

i buy 2 to 3 months food at a time,as prey can start to show freezer burns after 4 or 5 months

i have no idea if vacum packing them would help them last longer (interesting question mate)

cheers shaun
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Old 12-19-11, 12:22 PM   #6
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

Vacuum packing will help, but everyone else here is right in saying that you dont want to go any longer than about 2-3 months. The fats in meat will start to break down slowly and after 3 months can actually start to get rancid. The vitamin content is actually changed over time as well, strangely enough. Also, the ice crystals that are created in the freezing process start to migrate towards the outside of the animal and will generally start to degrade the quality. So definitely label and rotate so that you are feeding the oldest first.
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Old 12-19-11, 12:30 PM   #7
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

Does any one know where to purchase mice pinks on line where you don't have to pay $40-$50 for shipping??? (I'm sure I'm asking in the wrong thread! Bad habit of mine!!!)
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Old 12-19-11, 12:35 PM   #8
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

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Originally Posted by snakehill View Post
Does any one know where to purchase mice pinks on line where you don't have to pay $40-$50 for shipping??? (I'm sure I'm asking in the wrong thread! Bad habit of mine!!!)
It's hard to find good shipping online since many need next day air and dry ice in order for it to not thaw.
Best bet would be an expo or local breeder unfortunately.
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Old 12-19-11, 12:36 PM   #9
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

Quote:
Originally Posted by snakehill View Post
Does any one know where to purchase mice pinks on line where you don't have to pay $40-$50 for shipping??? (I'm sure I'm asking in the wrong thread! Bad habit of mine!!!)
Your best bet is to find a local breeder. I know a few in RI and Ma, let me find there contact info and I will pm you once I do.
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Old 12-19-11, 12:50 PM   #10
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

Thanks Kat! Appreciate that!!
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Old 12-20-11, 06:28 AM   #11
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

Thanks all.I made the mistake of making a large order from rodentpro then started breeding my own mice.I didnt realize how great mice breed, Ive only ever had rats.Mice are insane, they have constant litters, even with the cold weather.I just wish all my snakes took mice only. unfortunately 3 to 4 mnths is not long, guess I will invest in a vacumn sealer.I was hoping that I could get 6 mnths out of the frozen feeders.
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Old 12-20-11, 06:54 AM   #12
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

With a Vacuum sealer you can store frozen meats for 6-8 months as long as they are in a deep freezer. If you put them in your every day freezer 6 months is pushing it. The real problem is how often the freezer is opened to allow warm air in.
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Old 12-21-11, 05:56 AM   #13
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

Really, that helps alot.I have a deep freezer but the mice are in my regular freezer.I will move them to the other one then too.I have to clean it out first.I dont even know half whats in that one.
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Old 12-21-11, 07:09 AM   #14
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

I keep 1 month supply in my normal freezer and only open the deep freeze once a month. I think it helps keep everything in better shape and last a little bit longer.
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Old 12-21-11, 07:30 AM   #15
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Re: Storing mice in freezer and how long do they last?

I just got a vacuum sealer last night off of kijiji.
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