Is it ok to refreeze fish?

[Hornets23]

I always buy bags frozen salmon or tilapia filets for my snakes. The problem is that they are really hard to cut when theyre frozen. It would be a lot easier to let them thaw and THEN cut them into appropriately sized portions. I recall someone saying that they refreeze mice but I just wanted to get some opinions on whether it is ok to refreeze fish for my snakes? I'm guessing it would be ok, but what do you guys think?

[infernalis]

Try this, I do it all the time, thaw the fillet partially just so it is about as hard as stiff ice cream, line up your blade and push firmly down.

I cut the fish into strips all at once, then bag up portions in small zip lock sandwich bags.

Put it all back in the freezer, and only take out what you need after that.

Repeated thawing / re-freezing of any meat item is not something I would recommend.

Fish thaws quick, so you would only need to leave it out for a couple minutes for it to soften enough to cut this way.

Hope it helps....

[Hornets23]

I was thinking I would thaw it once and cut the whole thing, but I think you're right. It would be better to just partially thaw...Thanks Wayne!

[infernalis]

I found the fish to be "stringy" when its thawed all the way.

[Hornets23]

Yeah...I know exactly what you mean. It is kind of stringy. I usually cut it with scissors.

[crzy_kevo]

you can also buy frsh fish and cut into strips and let the pieces freeze on a tray seperated so tey dont stick together hpwever buying fresh is a bit more expensive

[adamanteus]

I always buy fresh, whole fish, cut them into meal-sized portions then freeze them. When it's time to feed, I thaw a piece and then cut it up into bite sized strips. Only have to freeze once that way.

[infernalis]

I get these for a dollar a pack at the store, can't beat it...

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/salmon.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/tilapia.jpg

[adamanteus]

Are they fillets, Wayne?

[infernalis]

Yes, flash frozen and vacuum sealed.

4 ounces each, don't sound like much, but I can feed a lot of garters for a buck...

Most are eating primarily pinks anyways, but I like to vary the diets.

My adults get 2 pinks, 2 fish strips and a half a night crawler per meal.

[adamanteus]

That's a good price, Wayne!
I pay around £1.80 for a whole trout.

[crzy_kevo]

that is a price that cant be beat lol it costs me like $7 for i think a lb of salmon

actually thining about it with the exchange rate that is pretty close to the same price lol costs you $4 per lb

[infernalis]

That's a good price, Wayne!
I pay around £1.80 for a whole trout.

That just gave me an idea, I live a mere 20 miles from a large trout hatchery, I'm going to call and ask how much live hatchling/fingerlings cost each.

I could spoil my fussy feeders with an actual live baby trout:D

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol my mom just came home from the store with the exact same bag:D:p

[Hornets23]

That is pretty similar to what I buy Wayne. I only have two snakes so i like the fact that they are individually vacuum sealed. I really dont need all that much at a time.

[guidofatherof5]

If you have access to a good electric knife it works wonders on frozen and thawed fish.

[reptile3]

you can also buy frsh fish and cut into strips and let the pieces freeze on a tray seperated so tey dont stick together hpwever buying fresh is a bit more expensive


I bought a slab of fresh salmon, I cut length wise, but bigger pieces, then used the food saver. Then I can just leave out on counter,open package cut into strips.
:)

[Stefan-A]

I always buy fresh, whole fish, cut them into meal-sized portions then freeze them. When it's time to feed, I thaw a piece and then cut it up into bite sized strips. Only have to freeze once that way.
That's pretty much how I do it, but I make bite sized strips straight away.

[brain]

That just gave me an idea, I live a mere 20 miles from a large trout hatchery, I'm going to call and ask how much live hatchling/fingerlings cost each.

I could spoil my fussy feeders with an actual live baby trout:D

Well now that’s a thought. We have several salmon hatcheries around here.

I got call them and get a price.

I wonder if the reservation … well then I would have to be Indian , but … I wonder if Little Crow a fishing buddy … deep thoughts here …:rolleyes:

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

a pound of salmon here is $8-11 :(
tilapias like $6-8

[infernalis]

Well now that’s a thought. We have several salmon hatcheries around here.

I got call them and get a price.

I wonder if the reservation … well then I would have to be Indian , but … I wonder if Little Crow a fishing buddy … deep thoughts here …:rolleyes:


I prefer Native American, Indians live in India:D;)

[Stefan-A]

I prefer Native American, Indians live in India:D;)
I think it's pretty ironic. To prefer being named after a representative of the invaders instead of being named after a mistake another one of them made. ;)

[infernalis]

Stefan, That just brought a smile to my face.. Yes the irony is all over that.

The continent was never called North America until after it was discovered...

How about Native "where am I":rolleyes: