refrigerating thawed mice

[Demona]

I just finished the "proper way to thaw a rat/mouse.

I was told that refreezing a mouse ONCE was ok, This article corrected that notion, but please tell me why. most people say that food (human food like steak or chicken) can be re-frozen once as well. Does this have to do with decay> bursty intestines?

Also, I was told that If a snake doesn't take a thawed mouse you can re-seal it in a baggie, keep it in the fridge, and offer it again the next day. Just as background I feed my snakes in a seperate container (not their pen), and only offer the mouse for a few mins, if their not interested I'll try again the next day, or 2 days later) (Note, this is for my snakes that usually eat well, and regularly, bad eaters are offered much less often)

Is keeping it in a baggie in the fridge for a day or two really bad? if not how long would be the max time to keep it in the fridge before switching to a new mouse?

[Red-Tailed_mustang]

I wouldn't put it in the fridge. I've been told to wait a week plus don't handle it as much so it isn't stressed. Try leaving it in with the snake overnight.

[RevMojo]

Originally Posted by Demona

I just finished the "proper way to thaw a rat/mouse.
I was told that refreezing a mouse ONCE was ok, This article corrected that notion, but please tell me why. most people say that food (human food like steak or chicken) can be re-frozen once as well. Does this have to do with decay> bursty intestines?

I'd blame it on that, or bacteria growth. Any food inside the prey at the time it died is still there, and probably prone to spoilage. The more time meat spends between 40-140 degrees, the more time bacteria has to grow. Besides, have you ever had a steak that was thawed (like to room temperature, not just fridge temps) and then refrozen? It ruins the meat. I know, snakes don't have quite the distinguishing palate you or I might, and it probably makes little difference to them.

[Demona]

thanks, I'll just ahve to wait till i really think they are getting hungry, to avoid so many wasted mice.

Thanks for the advice

[BWSmith]

As meat is frozen, ice crystals form in the cells and often burst them. So by refreezing, you will notice that hair starts falling out and it seems more "mushy". I would never refreeze any meat for me or rodents for my snakes.

I may keep rodents sealed in the fridge for one day. But I get weary at anything over that.

[Demona]

thanks