Bulk Frozen Mice

Let me preface this by saying: I know this is different for all snakes, but I would like a general guideline so that I don't get duped out of money.

That said, my local shops sell pinky mice for $1.20 each!!!! A six pack at PetSmart is $9.99. My goodness, what a ripoff considering RodentPro.com has them at $0.17 each. I am seriously considering placing an order with them, but I's like to get a general idea of what I shoud order for 2 hatchling snakes.

I can buy in packs of 100. I guess my question is, how many packs of pinkies should I buy that will carry me through until the hatchlings hit fuzzies. Once again, I do realize that these things vary widely, but I don't want to order way more than I'd ever need. I can always purchase a few at the ripoff prices until we hit fuzzy stage.

Can anyone offer any advice on this? I have already bought about 10 pinkies to get me started (my snakes should arrive Thursday), and I figure these should last me about a month.

Geez, there has to be a better way! I guess I need bulk, but not as bulk as RodentPro! The prices I was looking at include the mice only...not shipping (darn that whole "scrolling down" idea). Ah well, I would like an answer still, so that I could judge a shipment if I find another place.

A VERY rough estimate would be 20 pinks per hatchling, and about the same amount of fuzzies. Some of those pinks will be used in double-pink feedings for a few times until they're on fuzzies. A double-fuzzy feeding is bigger than a hopper, so go straight from fuzzies to hoppers. I use double-fuzzies as the next step after hoppers, then double hoppers, then weaned.

And here is some other on line suppliers.

http://www.bigcheeserodents.com/
http://www.americanrodent.com/htm/mice.html
http://peticebox.com/
http://www.themousefactory.com/
http://cajunmice.com/

Most will work with you to split your order.

Good Luck :cheers:

Keep in mind that you'll probably want to feed each one multiple pinks per feeding before you bump 'em up to fuzzies. My 3 smallest snakes were all purchased at one time, all '05 hatchlings, and two of them are clutchmates. Yesterday, they all got three pinks each - they were on two pinks each for about two months, and one pink each for the first month I had them. I'll probably feed them 3 each for the next few feedings, and then move them onto fuzzies.

Be that as it may, there is no hard and fast rule or timing on this; I usually gauge it on the "1.5X the width" rule of thumb on when to move up to the next size. While they do eventually grow, they do grow at different rates (and I'm discovering that the ones you want to grow the fastest, don't )

Finally, I notice that you live in Rockford; as there's usually a decrease in the "each" price with larger bulk orders, I'd be willing to join you in an order to get a lower price. I'm in Wisconsin, between Milwaukee and Madison, and I could meet up with you once the order is in. PM me if you're interested.

regards,
jazz

You'll end up wasting at least half of 100 pinks if you order that much. Two hatchling snakes won't eat anywhere near that amount before needing fuzzies. If you're going to do an order, be sure you place one with someone that vacuum-packs their mice (they'll keep longer that way) and order more than just pinks from them. You can stock up on your fuzzies and hoppers too, thus making the order more economical. A 50 pack of each split into two 25 packs will last you a bit, and if you end up tossing some from one pack you'll still have the other nice and sealed... and waiting for that next snake you'll no doubt get.

I ordered frozen mice through Big Cheese Rodents and can only say good about them. They were also nice enough to package the mice 25 per bag upon request. Look around and price out your options, but keep vacuum-packing and stocking up for the future in mind.

Or you can buy another cornsnake or two. :crazy02:
Anyway, after feeding a pink every 5-7 days, you can bump up to 2 pinks for quite a while before going to a bigger size. I am.

Oops. I mean thats what I'm doing. :bang:

Everyone: Thanks so much for your expertise on this! I have no idea what to expect...only how many days apart to feed them and on which size...but never really a "guideline" as to how long a hatchling may stay on each prey size. I tell you, I wouldn't be asking this question if the prices in the store weren't so re-gosh-darned-diculous!!!!

kimbyra said:

Or you can buy another cornsnake or two. :crazy02:

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Kimbyra: I am barely getting away with the two I'm getting as is! lol

Lenny: Thanks for the great links! I definitely want to be able to "mix and match" my order if possible.

Jazz: I will be keeping you in mind for this! My husband drives to work in Portage, so the drive to Madison/Milwaukee will be nothing. Where are you exactly?

PnyKlr said:

Jazz: I will be keeping you in mind for this! My husband drives to work in Portage, so the drive to Madison/Milwaukee will be nothing. Where are you exactly?

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Cool! My Lab is from Candlewood Kennels in Portage! I'm in Palmyra - just a shot down I-43 from you. I "MapQuested" the route, and the halfway point would be somewhere between Delavan and Clinton. However, if your hubby wants to meet up somewhere along his commute, Janesville would probably be the best place. Let me know if/when you plan on ordering, and we'll get a large enough quantity to get a good discount.

regards,
jazz