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How long can I reuse frozen pinke?

Kate269

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Well it has been two weeks now that my little purple guy has eaten. I keep
trying every three days but to no avail. Which brings me to my question, how
many times can I thaw and refreeze a pinkie before it is no good. Thanks.

Kathy
 
I don't personally re-freeze, but I have heard that once is okay. I really would not push my luck any further than that.
 
refreezing pinkies

Ok, thanks. Good to know. I don't want to feed them food that isn't
good after it has been refrozen.

Kate
 
:iagree:

I usually discard once thawed, but if it's only been an hour or so I may re-freeze once.

However it's really not worth the risk - if you think of it as you would your own food - how many times would you consider thawing and re-freezing something you were going to eat yourself? Then factor in the additional risks due to not cooking the food, and having internal organs as well as meat - it could all go bad very quickly.
 
refreezing pinkies

Makes sense. I found a place in Michigan where I can have a larger quantity
delivered for a much better price. Since I only have the two hognose I have
been getting the pinkies at PetSmart. They come 6 individually wrapped to a
box. Too expensive to keep throwing them away. These guys are not very
eager feeders. Thanks for the advise.

Kate
 
Yeah, buying from pet stores is ridiculous! If you go to reptile expos, you can stock up there. There are also many websites that you can buy from. Even with the shipping, it comes out to be cheaper than buying individually at the local stores (barring you get a good qty).
 
refreezing pinkies

I am so glad that I have found a place where I can go to help me learn about
the snakes that I love. There is so much knowledge here to draw from. Thanks

Kate
 
refreezing pinkies

I have not read that but do know from other reading how to do that. My other
hognose does require me to scent his food. I use tuna or salmon and he is very happy. I will look up that thread and see if they have an even yummier suggestion. The little purple guy has eaten three times since I got him with
no problem and no added scenting. I hate to start it if I don't have to. How long do you think I should wait him out before I try scenting his pinkie. Do
most hognose need to be feed scented food?

Kate
 
If he was started on unscented and even ate that for you after you got him, then I wouldn't be so quick to scent if you don't like it since it can occasionally be a pain to reconvert them. If you don't mind the extra effort though, I sometimes think that for horribly finicky animals it may be best to let them put on some weight first that way before you try weaning them off of it. (Just throwing that out there, but IMHO your purple boy doesn't sound horribly picky if he was eating well before.)
Also to answer your question, I don't believe that the majority of westerns require scenting. A lot of breeders start them on unscented f/t right out of the egg now and others get converted later on. They typically have a voracious appetite once they get started, so that helps~

I'd try to minimize stress. Make sure he has a comfortable environment (proper temps, snug hiding places etc. etc.) and feels secure. Also I know people have different opinions on this, but I kinda feel that offering him food every three days may be too much. Sometimes I find that it's better to just leave them alone for a bit, especially for the more sensitive animals that get bugged easily, before trying again.

I tend to stick to a once a week feeding schedule myself and method-wise, I've found that cupfeeding works well for my finicky male. Just stick the food in the deli cup, stick him in the cup, and leave him be. (One pink at a time stops him from being overwhelmed.) Also if he's especially shy that day, it helps to not leave the cup out in the open or else he'll spend the entire time keeping his eye out for us whether we're there or not. He prefers places that are quiet, dark, and warm. Then it's all gone when I check on him later. A watched pot never boils I suppose...
You can also consider braining the pink to add scent and see if he likes that. I know it's disgusting, but it's more convenient than getting a fish or frog for it.

So sorry to hear your boy isn't eating right now, I know how stressful that can be so I hope this helps some. I'm wishing you the best of luck!

BTW I don't really refreeze their meals (I have done it on occasion with rats that were only out for a short while and admittedly didn't see anything wrong with it/my snake after it was eaten the next time, but I still agree with the others that it's not really worth it.) and I personally wouldn't ever do it to a pinky. Being so fragile and lacking fur, I'm assuming that they wouldn't hold up as well as an adult rodent or something...
 
refreezing pinkies

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. You have given me a
lot to think about. I have been using a plastic small pet carrier but maybe it
is to big all he seems to want to do is climb to the top. I will use a smaller one
and also keep it darker. I have to learn to relax he will eat when he is ready.
Years ago I kept a Rainbow and Dumerill boa. Never had any feeding issues
with them. Wish these guys had their appetites.

Kate
 
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