Description

Frozen Weaner Rats – Small to Large

Frozen Weaner Rats provide appropriately sized whole prey reptile food for snakes and other suitable carnivorous reptiles that require a smaller rat than a fully grown adult feeder.

Available in Small, Medium and Large, weaner rats can be particularly useful for growing snakes progressing onto rats or for species whose feeding requirements suit a smaller, more slender prey item.

As whole prey, rats provide muscle, bone, organs and other tissues within a single food item.

When Are Weaner Rats Useful?

Weaner rats can provide a useful step between smaller feeder rodents and larger adult rats.

They may be suitable for juvenile and growing snakes, as well as adult snakes of species that don’t require particularly large prey.

The correct prey size should always be determined by the species, size, age and body condition of the individual animal rather than simply choosing the largest prey it can swallow.

If you’re unsure which size to choose, please contact our reptile team for advice.

Small, Medium & Large

Our Frozen Weaner Rats are available in:

Small • Medium • Large

This provides a progression of prey sizes as an animal grows without immediately moving onto substantially larger adult rats.

We’ll leave the exact weights out until your frozen-food supplier is finalised.

Feeding Frozen Weaner Rats

Always ensure frozen rats are completely defrosted before feeding.

Larger prey items can remain cold or frozen internally even when the outside feels fully thawed, so allow sufficient time for the entire prey item to defrost.

Follow good hygiene practices when handling frozen and defrosted rodents. Wash your hands and clean any surfaces or equipment that come into contact with the prey.

Remove uneaten food promptly and do not refreeze once fully defrosted.

Collection & Local Delivery

Frozen reptile food is generally available for collection from Shirley Aquatics.

Local delivery may sometimes be available for an additional charge. Please contact us before ordering to check whether frozen-food delivery is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a weaner rat?
A weaner rat is a young rat that has reached the stage of development where it has been weaned. As feeder prey, weaner rats provide a smaller alternative to fully grown adult rats.

When should I move from mice to rats?
There isn’t a universal point at which every snake needs to change from mice to rats. The appropriate prey depends on the species and individual animal. For snakes that require increasingly substantial prey, appropriately sized weaner rats can provide a useful progression.

Are weaner rats suitable for juvenile snakes?
They can be suitable for larger juveniles and growing snakes where the individual weaner rat is an appropriate prey size. They will be much too large for many small or young snakes.

How do I choose between Small, Medium and Large?
Choose according to the size and feeding requirements of your individual animal. If you’re uncertain, our reptile team can advise you.

Do frozen rats need to be defrosted before feeding?
Yes. They must be completely defrosted throughout before being offered.

Why not check out our YouTube channel for the latest updates on our fish tanks, livestock and many more!