Weird Question, re: Thawing

I did a little poking about there are quite a few zoonostic disorders that can be transferred from rats. I think it is likely better to use a separate hair dryer and buying from a reputable supplier as well. :O

I was going to post the list but I think not, most of them are exotic, and I believe unlikely. Posting a complete list IMO is counter productive. PM me or google it.

If I were more skilled with my tongs, I might not touch the rat with my hands quite so much...but between squeezing its head to check if it's warm enough, and dropping it on the floor at least once per blow-dry, I do a lot of handling. I'm a healthcare worker, so maybe I'm a little hypersensitive to issues of hygiene. But even if there aren't any illnesses that can be transmitted this way, for me there's still the gross-out factor! :D

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I like the hemostats because they have a much better grip than tongs. I used to drop my rats at LEAST once a feeding with tongs, with the stats I haven't dropped one yet! *happy dance*

I do, however, understand the worry of cross contamination. If only germs were colored so we knew for sure!

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

I like the hemostats because they have a much better grip than tongs. I used to drop my rats at LEAST once a feeding with tongs, with the stats I haven't dropped one yet!

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Hemostats: now on my shopping list!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fidget

Hemostats: now on my shopping list!

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If you have a flea market near you, go there! There is almost ALWAYS someone selling hemostats / tongs / scissors. I got my big ones for like $5 (online they are close to $20)

I really like the foerster forceps the best if you can find them. They grip better and if the snake hits the end it is a rounded surface not a blunt point.
for the illustration...

http://www.interlabs-india.com/-foer...ceps-1281.html

Those are nice! I wouldn't mind having a pair of those instead of my regular ones

I have some of both the foerster are way better. I have a super aggressive feeder and he on more than one occasion hit the rat seriously hard once where the hemostat tips were straight on I worry about him being hurt the round end seems a bit more forgiving.

Ok, wondering if I'm doing this wrong here....I don't use a hair dryer at all to thaw out the mice...? I put the frozen mouse in a small ziplock bag and submerge it in a small bucket of hot water for about 30 minutes, then run hot water over both sides for another few seconds, and he eats it right up within a few seconds every time. The mouse never gets wet and hasn't yet been refused (knock on wood! LOL). SHOULD I be blow drying it for some reason?:mouse2:

The only reason to blow dry it is to add a bit of extra heat to the head. Some snakes seem to do better at striking and actually eating the right end if the head is a bit warmer than the body. I actually measure mine (OCD yes, check) I try for about 97-100ºF body and 100-110ºF head.