Silversides STINK!!!!

[ConcinusMan]

I would seriously consider getting your silversides elsewhere or waiting for them to get a new shipment in. They shouldn't stink that bad. No more than a small, freshly caught trout would if you unwrapped it.

[Steveo]

I didn't think they smelled terribly badly, but I quickly tired of cutting frozen blocks and chopping them into smaller bits. I set up an aquarium and threw some guppies in there thinking that would at least be a more enjoyable alternative, but even with 8 females reproducing like crazy they couldn't even come close to producing enough to feed 6 young garters. Each garter could probably eat 4 adult guppies per week I'm producing about 30 per month.

[thamneil]

I've been using ProSalt and San Fransisco Bay. I have never noticed any rancid smell.

The petstore I used to work at had a freezer that wouldnt always seal properly. The fish would thaw and freeze repeatedly. Those ones did have a very putrid smell!

[ConcinusMan]

I much prefer the San Fransisco Bay Brand "Sally's". They're packed in water so they stay very fresh and life-like in appearance. Check your packages carefully. Make sure they're sealed (vacuum in tact) and that the fish have a fresh-caught look. They should have good "clean" fresh fish smell when opened/thawed.

But like I said, your snakes don't really care. It's OK for them to eat slightly rancid stuff and I'm sure that carivorous fish don't care either.

[Invisible Snake]

I didn't think they smelled terribly badly, but I quickly tired of cutting frozen blocks and chopping them into smaller bits. I set up an aquarium and threw some guppies in there thinking that would at least be a more enjoyable alternative, but even with 8 females reproducing like crazy they couldn't even come close to producing enough to feed 6 young garters. Each garter could probably eat 4 adult guppies per week I'm producing about 30 per month.

Post pictures of your guppy set-ups please

[d_virginiana]

When I feed silversides, I can always smell it through the whole apartment, but it's always just a fishy smell not a rotten one. I guess some people might think that was really gross, but it doesn't really bother me anymore.
One good thing about them is that by the time I get everything ready for feeding time, everyone is already out and waiting to eat!

[Steveo]

Post pictures of your guppy set-ups please

It's nothing special, just a 30gal hex with some purple moscows. I've produced a few nice males but most show some yellow or orange and become snake food.