Whole Prey Questions

[Deleted]

So I'm looking at feeding whole prey once I get my fuzzbutts, and I just had a few questions.
How long does it (generally) last in the freezer? I'm looking at ordering from American Rodent Supply, and you have to order a minimum of $100 worth of product. That seems like a lot and I don't want it to get nasty and freezer burned.
Are rats and mice different enough to count as two protein sources?
Would fish (small ones) work as whole prey?
I think that's it. I'd really like to work out feeding whole prey, I just need to make sure it'll work financially.

[goingpostal]

I usually order a 6 months supply of whole prey and it stays fine in my freezer. Yes rats and mice are different, you want a minimum of 3 species or types of meat, preferably not another rodent so quail or rabbit imo but the more the merrier. Mine dislike the larger rats, they love mice, guinea pigs, quail, day old chicks for a treat, and rabbit. However it's extremely expensive to feed all whole prey, I feed about half and the other half frankenprey. Fish are ok once in awhile, mine will eat a little sardines but not really fans of fish in general.

[Deleted]

Yeah that's the one thing I'm worried about is the price. I might have to stick to raw.

[darlene]

Right now I have mice that have been in the freezer for 7 months and they don't have any freezer burn at all. I use to order a years supply of quail (have since found a local supplier) and they were just fine also,may-be the fur and feathers protect the meat better

[Deleted]

If vacuum sealed, I have heard rodents can keep up to a year. (this is of course if you don't open the sealed bag) If they are not vacuum sealed they recommend you use them within 6 months, but I have had rodents last longer.