Method for Storing Pinkies?

[Fishsticks]

I recognize that virtually all of you have been doing this longer than I have, so I'm going to just throw this question out here in the hope that someone's already figured this out.

Two of my three T. marcianus will readily consume pinkies, the third is well on his way, so I've begun raising mice myself to lower the cost of feeding they and whatever else I collect along the way.

My question is: What is the best method for storing euthanized pinkies that keeps them fresh and edible when thawed? I've considered open air freezing, submersion in water to freeze, and just about everything in between, but what works best in your experience?

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry I can't offer any advice.
I purchase all my mice and they come flash frozen.

[ConcinusMan]

I have a "food saver" vacuum storage system. Best investment I ever made. With no air in the bag, you can freeze for years and they will not freezer burn and stay fresh as the day you froze it.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer - Official Manufacturer's Web Site - CLICK for Free Shipping Offer.

When I was able to buy mice in bulk, I'd vacuum seal portions that were enough to feed all my snakes without having to open the entire stock allowing air and freezer burn occur.

Great for humans too, of course. I can now buy mass quantities of meat on sale, portion them up and vacuum seal it. I never have to worry about pulling out a roast or steak that is a year or two old. It will still be fresh and free of freezer burn.

By far, the best method is vacuum sealing and storing at around 0 degrees F.

Other than that, freezing silversides in water does help keep the air from getting to them and keeps freezer burn away. Not sure how that would work with pinkies.

[Fishsticks]

Other than that, freezing silversides in water does help keep the air from getting to them and keeps freezer burn away. Not sure how that would work with pinkies.

I already keep silversides in water and it works really, really well - maybe I'll try a few pinkies submerged in water and see how they turn out, then pick up a vacuum-machine sometime in the next few months in preparation for taking off from work for deer season. (I love multi-purpose tools.)

[ConcinusMan]

Oh heck yeah, if you're hunting deer, you'll love that food saver. It's great.

Yeah try the pinkies in water but I'm thinking that they'll turn to mush but if that's not a problem, it's better than freezer burn.

[brain]

Sorry I can't offer any advice.
I purchase all my mice and they come flash frozen.

And where did you say your supplier was ... NY??

[guidofatherof5]

And where did you say your supplier was ... NY??

https://micedirect.com/

[ConcinusMan]

I will certainly be making a purchase from micedirect in the coming weeks.

[infernalis]

in all honesty, I find it far cheaper to buy them than breed them.

I simply cannot produce pinkies for under 20 cents each.

the constant feeding and cage changes, etc.. it adds up.

in the end a nice big 500+ order winds up being the most economical way.

[Selkielass]

Alton Brown flash freezes strawberries by tossing chipped dry ice in a bowl with the strawberries. I bet this method would work great for retaining nutrition and avoiding freezer burned legs, but dry ice is a little pricy. You'd have to have over a cup full of mice to begin to make it worthwhile.

Frozen Strawberries Recipe : Alton Brown : Food Network