How long do you thaw a rat for?

Ok so I'm about to try f/t rat for the first time. I've had it in a zip lock bag and in warm/hot water for the last hour. It feels like it should be ready to go. Is there a way to know for sure? Any tips on getting her to take it? I plan on using tongs and dangling it in front of her hide. Should I warm it up at all? I'd really love for her to take this but if not it's back to the store for a live one.

Just make sure the body feels "warm" to the touch. :)

If your asking for a basic time frame I can give it a shot
I thaw my smaller rats and mice under running water. 3 adult mice in a baggie take about 10 minutes in hot water to thaw. An XL rat takes about 30-45 minutes till you can no longer feel the coolness and even then I let it soak until I feel its warm enough. Since balls rely on their heat pits to pick up the food trace as well as scent, I would recomend thawing in a baggie in HOT water in the sink. That way the smell is strong enough and the ball can pick up a strong heat source.

WOW I'm sooo proud of my baby!!! she'll eat anything!!! the second I had the rat dangling in front of her hide she was out. Poked around a bit. Then I decided to let it go from my tongs and the second I did she was on it.


YUMMY!!!

thx guys