Does Petco Sell Live Feeder Mice? Petco and PetSmart Compared

Does Petco sell live feeder mice? Not as feeders, as far as we can find. Petco and PetSmart both sell frozen feeder mice and rats. PetSmart's website lists its live mice and rats as pets, sold in stores only. Neither chain posts a policy on selling live rodents as snake food. For live feeders near Tucson, a local breeder is the direct route.

That's the short answer. Below, you'll find what each chain sells and frozen prices we checked on October 16, 2026. You'll also see your other options for live feeders in the Tucson area.

Need live mice or rats now? Mike breeds them in the Tucson area. Call or text Mike: (520) 451-4380.

Does Petco sell live feeder mice or rats?

Petco sells feeder mice and rats frozen. Its Imagitarium line covers frozen mice and rats in labeled gram ranges. For example, the frozen medium rat is listed at "85.00-174.99 grams per rat."

What about live? We tried to check Petco's live small-animal pages on October 16, 2026, and couldn't open them. We also found no published Petco policy on selling live mice or rats as food. So we can't promise what your local store will do. If you want to ask, call the store first.

Does PetSmart sell live feeder mice?

PetSmart sells frozen feeders under the Arctic Mice name. Its live mice and rats are listed as pets.

On October 16, 2026, PetSmart's Fancy Mouse page showed $7.99, labeled "Live pet" and "Available in-store only." The Fancy Rat page showed $11.99 with the same label. Both sit under "Live Small Pets." The mouse page also says "All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase."

That's pet language, not feeder language. So does PetSmart sell live feeder mice? Not as a feeder product. Like Petco, it doesn't post a policy on selling them as food.

What do Petco and PetSmart feeder mice and rats cost?

Here's what the chains' websites showed on October 16, 2026, next to Mike's live prices at the same count. Chain prices are the online one-time price, before tax, shipping and promos. Store shelf prices can differ.

Mike's prices are per animal, plus 6.1% Arizona sales tax. His prices drop 10% at 10 or more, 20% at 25 or more, and 30% at 50 or more. Sold as feeders, not pets. Full price lists are on the live feeder rats and live feeder mice pages.

A note on sizes: Petco's rat and mouse gram ranges line up with Mike's. PetSmart's medium rat is listed as "minimum 90 grams." Its large mouse page lists a net weight of "minimum 54 grams" but doesn't say if that's per mouse or per pack. We compared it to Mike's Adult mouse, his highest mouse price. For a full cost breakdown, see how much feeder rats cost.

Are chain store frozen rats a good deal?

It depends on what you need. Frozen has real upsides. You can stock up, keep rats in the freezer, and feed on your schedule. Care guides like ReptiFiles say boas do well on frozen-thawed.

Here's the other side. At every size in the table above, the chain's frozen price was higher than Mike's live price at the same count. Online orders can also add shipping. And frozen only helps if your snake will eat it.

If your snake takes frozen, keep doing what works. If it won't, or you'd rather not fill a freezer, that's where a local live breeder fits. Read our honest live vs frozen comparison for more.

Can I buy a live mouse at Petco to feed my snake?

Maybe, maybe not. It's up to the store, and neither chain posts a rule we could find. PetSmart's listings treat live mice as pets and ask that new pets see a vet within 14 days. Those listings are written for pet owners, not for feeding.

So don't count on a chain store for live feeders. If your snake is waiting on a meal, call ahead or go straight to a local source.

Where else can you buy live feeders in Tucson?

You've got a few options:

• Local reptile shops. Some Tucson-area reptile shops carry feeders. Two of them already buy from Mike.
• Reptile shows. At least one feeder vendor has had a booth at the Tucson Reptile Show. See our guide to Tucson reptile shows and expos.
• Local breeders. Buying straight from a breeder means no shipping and no dry ice. That's how Mike sells.

For a side-by-side look at local choices, read where to buy feeder rats in Tucson. Run a shop? See the page for pet stores.

Buying live feeders from Mike

Mike breeds live feeder rats and mice in the Tucson area. Rats come in Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Jumbo. Mice come in Hopper, Semi-Adult and Adult. Every size lists its weight in grams, so you can match your snake. Not sure which size? Check the feeder size guide.

Call or text Mike: (520) 451-4380. Tell him the sizes and how many you need, and he'll set a time and place with you. He replies the same day. Nothing ready in your size? Get batch alerts, and he'll let you know when the next batch is ready.

If you feed live, do it with care. Pick the right size, stay and watch, and take out any rodent your snake doesn't eat. Know that many vets advise against live prey. VCA Animal Hospitals says not to feed live prey, "because the prey may bite the snake before they are eaten."