Hey guys! Just wanted to clarify…

[Claire&snek]

I have been doing a little bit of research because I know there are a lot of opinions out there on how to thaw and feed frozen feeders and wanted to post mine to see what you guys think. Here is what I do…
1. Sit the rat out for about 5 hours to thaw
2. Place in warm-hot water for about 30 minutes to finish thawing and to warm it up
3. Dry and feed

Sometimes I just go ahead and throw it in the hot water for 45 minutes if I’m in a hurry, then let it cool if it’s too hot and feed.
What do you guys think? Does this method work well and is safe? Thanks!

[Bogertophis]

That's a great way to make sure the prey you offer is spoiled & nearly as gag-worthy as possible for your snake to reject. Not kidding.

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To minimize spoilage: Thaw prey in cool or cold, either in frig. (cold air) or in water- COLD water- until soft (thawed completely). Note, thawing in cold water is the FASTEST way to thaw without spoilage (in air is much slower- ie. don't leave on the counter).

Then immerse for a few minutes in very warm (NOT HOT) water to bring the temp. up (DO NOT COOK IT!) & if needed (like for feeding a BP or other snake with heat-sensing pits) give the head of the rodent a blast for a minute or so with a blow dryer & offer immediately while it retains the life-like warmth.

[Charles8088]

I know everyone does it differently. Some use faster methods, some slower. Some snakes prefer a warm rodent, some don't. My bp used to respond to a warm rat more so than a not-warm rat. Now the rat's temp doesn't matter. So, for all 4 of mine, the rat temps don't seem to matter to them.

Anyhow... I usually throw the rats into warm water, and change the water every 10 minutes, to keep it warm. On the large rats, I end up changing the water about 3 or 4 times. I just feel the rats and make sure they're soft and no cold spots (from being frozen). And, obviously, the smaller rats for my younger woma and boa, usually just 10 minutes one time is enough.

Then I dry with a paper towel and feed. Seems to work for me.

[Claire&snek]

Ok well my bp took it just now…also the rat was still in the bag when I let it sit out this afternoon so it was not opened…does that make a difference? I smelled it and it smelled like stinky rat but nothing that alarmed me. Again, my snake took it so should I be concerned or just trust her and do it differently next time?

[Claire&snek]

Even though she was very hungry is it good to know she still took it and is currently swallowing it?

[Bogertophis]

...the rat was still in the bag when I let it sit out this afternoon so it was not opened…does that make a difference? ...

No, remember we are feeding WHOLE prey animals to our snakes. Their guts, their "G.I." tract is full of bacteria just itching to be warmed up so they can multiply. Freezing does NOT kill them- just keeps them in check, keeps them from growing.

The big difference between thawing your meat for dinner on the countertop (if you do that) is first, that's not the whole animal- it's just meat, not the guts, not the intestines & all, AND you don't eat raw meat. OK, I'm making as assumption here but cooking kills a lot of the bacteria in or on the meat you eat. Our snakes eat whole prey, and they eat it raw.

And don't forget that the rodents may not have had perfect handling prior to freezing; if they weren't frozen fast enough the bacteria inside them got a head start, making it easier for them to get real funky & fall apart when you thaw them. Especially in warm or hot water! (gag)

[Claire&snek]

So am I ok or should I be worried about bacteria growing or since she took it are we safe?

[Bogertophis]

So am I ok or should I be worried about bacteria growing or since she took it are we safe?

Well don't make her spit it out, for heaven's sake. But using better methods from now on would be my advise. That's one less thing to tax her immune system. Our snakes can't tell us they have a stomach ache from eating a lousy meal (food poisoning), so the only way you know is if it's bad enough that they barf it up.

[Claire&snek]

But she wont get sick from it right?

[Bogertophis]

But she wont get sick from it right?

Probably not but no way to be sure- it's just better to reduce the chances by thawing the best way from now on.