Thawing Frozen Mice & Rats for Snakes & other Reptiles

[findi]

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo.
Frozen rodents are now widely available in the pet trade and, when used properly, are a safe food source that can save time, space and money. As opinions vary concerning proper thawing methods, I thought it might be useful to outline the procedures that are followed in major zoological parks. Based on the human food guidelines set down by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture, they have served me well throughout my career as a zookeeper and herpetologist. Read the rest of this article here Thawing Frozen Mice & Rats for Snakes & Reptiles | That Reptile Blog
Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: That Pet Place Welcomes Frank Indiviglio | That Reptile Blog

Best Regards, Frank

 

[Dinosrawr]

Awesome! Thanks, Frank. Always wondered if we were doing it right with all the conflicting information out there - glad to know we are.

What are your suggestions for discarding mice that have been half eaten? I'm considering a blue tongued skink and have read about how they should, on occasion, be fed mice, but because of their eating style they leave behind bits and pieces.

 

[findi]

Awesome! Thanks, Frank. Always wondered if we were doing it right with all the conflicting information out there - glad to know we are.

What are your suggestions for discarding mice that have been half eaten? I'm considering a blue tongued skink and have read about how they should, on occasion, be fed mice, but because of their eating style they leave behind bits and pieces.

Thanks for the kind words. B T skinks should not be given furred rodents..we've seen impactions and also kidney/liver ailments associated with this. A very occasional pink mouse shold do no harm, but they aren't necessary if a balanced diet is provided..pl see this article for further info, best, Frank

 

[Dinosrawr]

Yup, sorry, in my mind I had pinkies, but I said mice to generalize. And awesome, thanks!