Feeding Frozen/Thawed Rats

[ClarkT]

I'm trying to switch my BP over to f/t rats--not that I'm stressed about it, I'm ok with live feeding, too. Just that f/t would be a lot more convenient and cost effective...as you all know.

Last night I tried without success. She would coil, watch that rat closely, but never strike. After a few minutes, she'd lose interest. Then I'd re-warm up the rat, because it loses heat quickly (small size). With the rat warm, she showed a very positive response--immediately coiled, faced the rat, followed it, but never struck. Then after about 2 minutes, loses interest again.

I'm kind of assuming it's because it's not warm. I know Big Gunns would just refer me to "if ball pythons could talk", which I completely see that side of (hilarious by the way).

How warm do you get the rat? How do you keep it warm?

[A.VinczeBPs]

Once completely thawed, I just leave in hot water (hot hot hot, the hottest we get from our tap) for 10min.

Always gets warm enough. Sounds like she's just not used to thawed yet. When she coils, keep a hold of the rat still, and wiggle it while she's in the coil. Fast at first, then slowing down, simulating a dying rat.

That always got my baby balls going on thawed if they had any problems.

Keep trying, and good luck.

[BILLB OKC]

91 degrees for mine

[jfreels]

Both of my snakes were on live feed and easily switched to f/t. My ball is still on mice though. Boa is taking the rats.

The biggest tip I hear is ask your pet store for mouse bedding and put the rat in the bedding to get the scent.

After mine are thawed, I get the water HOT and then throw the thawed rat in it and walk to my office where the snakes are and then remove it from the thaw bucket and toss it on some paper towel. Probably only stays in the hot water for 30-60 seconds. Let it dry for a minute and offer it.

Some people say they use a hair dryer on medium heat, I have not tried that method.