Feeding F/T

[Debbienflorida]

I made the mistake of thawing the 2 rat pups too quickly when I fed my 2 RTBs Sunday. I figured out the cause of the problem after the fact. When the snakes struck and constricted the rats (one much worse than the other). The smell was horrid but I tried to remove the rat but as you can guess that wasn't going to happen. I thought best to cover the tanks and see if they ate. Checking quietly every 5 minutes I saw them both starting to swallow so I left them alone and they both ate and seemed normal the rest of the day. I was just wondering if it was wrong to let them eat or if I should watch for anything in particular the next few days? The smell was bad but not foul as in rotten and it was the rat that really split. The other had a small opening but hardly any smell. They were from a place I deal with regularly and never had any problems after feeding.

[blackcrystal22]

When you say too quickly, was it still frozen in the center? Did you check for any frozen spots before giving it to them?

Dead animal insides will smell bad no matter what. If they just split open, that's not a big deal.

[Debbienflorida]

No, it was definitely warm inside. Instead of thawing at room temp then warming under a basking light just prior to feeding I left it under the basking light, about 10" away and turning frequently. It was the first time I did it but was in a bind time-wise and tried to hurry the process too much. Like I said, the snakes didn't hesitate to swallow but then they don't always do whats best for them! I will be more careful in the future and take the time to thaw properly.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Thawing them too fast = exploding rats. It happens, no worries. There's nothing wrong with letting them eat it (so long as it's not hot and burns them). To us it's gross, but to them it's probably more like "oooh, it's partially digested already! This will go down easy!"

Thawing the rats slower and making sure they don't get too hot will help prevent the exploding-ness. On the other hand, if you ever have a party and you can't get those last couple friends to leave...the exploding rat trick usually gets people out the door! :-)

I was using a new heat pad, and had two rats disintegrate on the way from the heating pad to the rack. Needless to say, it was a MESS!

JonV

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Dead animal insides will smell bad no matter what.

I bet dead leprechauns smell like "Irish Spring" soap inside.

JonV

[SecurityStacey]

No worries, this happened with my guy too when I did the same thing with a mouse - I don't think he cared much - he scarfed it down.

[bsd13]

I've never experienced an exploding rodent. Kinda feel like I'm missing out on something...

Seriously though I tend to just put them in the snake room in a little bin and let them air thaw for a few hours. When it's time to feed the snake's are ready to go.

[SecurityStacey]

I've never experienced an exploding rodent. Kinda feel like I'm missing out on something...

Seriously though I tend to just put them in the snake room in a little bin and let them air thaw for a few hours. When it's time to feed the snake's are ready to go.

Oh trust me - you aren't missing anything. It reeks.

[Debbienflorida]

Oh trust me - you aren't missing anything. It reeks.

Oh boy , that is the truth ! Well, I am glad it will be ok, once those snakes have them in their coils I sure couldn't have removed it safely!