Hi,

I am thinking of switching my small BP from large mice to frozen rat pups.

I actually like feeding live, which I do in a separate large bin, because I don't have to deal with defrosting, the snake takes it down fairly quick, and has a great feeding response. Not to mention that it's very interesting to watch, even though there seems like there is some debait over this.

I never leave him unattended and stand by with large tweezers to grab the feet of the mouse if he starts to fuss n scratch before he's unconscious.

I've read that the rat pups are more nutritious and will make the snake fatten up quicker. The only problem is I cannot find ANY pet stores that have live rat pups in Connecticut, I was only able to find a Petco that had frozen rat pups.

I was wondering what the best procedure is to thaw and defrost the pups. I was wondering what materials people use and if this a messy process . I am a bit of a germaphobe, so I don't know if I can deal with defrosting a rat pup every week and cleaning up rat juice.

Would I be able to leave it out under a heat lamp, or on top of a heat mat in a bowl or container to defrost it without cooking it? I would be nervous to put it on defrost in the microwave because I don't want to cook it, plus everyone in my house would not be very happy with rats in the same microwave as their food. Maybe I'll have to get a small cheap microwave just for the feeders?

It would be great if everyone can post their methods and procedure, step by step that they've learned through experience and came up with to make it most effective, yet make cleanup easy and quick.

Also by switching to frozen, I'd like to start feeding in the snakes enclosure by waiting for the snake to strike the feeder, then quickly place a small piece of card board under the feeder and front half of the snake so I don't have to worry as much about the snake eating and substrate after getting stuck to the feeder. (I use Eco earth)

Thanks everyone