Heya, so, I have ran out of F/T feeder mice for my new baby bp. I have a local rat breeder I usually purchase from and trust and I have placed an order with them but in the meantime I need to feed her.

At this point my only option is to purchase from my local hobbyist reptile store. Now, I used to trust these guys very well (they were very experienced, knowledgeable, and their animals always looked healthy and well taken care of), until I bought a carpet python from them who had mites. They said they had no idea how that could've happened and said they would treat her for free. I, not wanting to step foot in that store again for fear of more mites, decided to treat her myself and I was successful. I have also talked with several other hobbyists (including my local rat breeder) who have experienced this store's mite problem. Turns out the store doesn't quarantine any of their animals either, big surprise.

That being said, I have avoided them at all costs since then. But right now, they are the only place to get a few meals for my bp short notice. Their feeders have always been fine apart from being a little pricy. Of course I haven't bought from them since I found out about the mite problem. I have no idea if it was a one-off or if they are infested with mites, but I know I'd rather not take my chances.

I could go and purchase a few feeders then come home and immediately shower, change, sanitize etc. But can mites be carried in on feeders? Could I freeze mites to kill them? What would the best route to go be? I was holding out hoping my order would be complete soon enough but my bp's looking pretty hungry and it's been too long. There's not really anywhere else to get any except maybe petsmart, but I almost trust them less (although the transmission rate would be lower than a reptile store when it comes to mites), and I don't favor the quality and prices of their feeders.