Differences in Prepping F/T prey for heat pitted pythons vs. other species

[dakski]

I've noticed that my pythons (BP and Carpet) love having their F/T prey warmed up prior to feeding. I do this by dropping the prey item into hot tap water (about 110F) for about 30-45 seconds (after the prey was defrosted in room temp water). It seems to help the food response.

I was so used to doing it that I was for my boas (3) and corn snakes (2) as well. As an experiment, I tried feeding my boas and corns prey that was taken directly out of the plastic bag it was defrosted in. I've noticed, over several feedings, that there food response is stronger. This is of course qualitative and not quantitative or scientific, but I see a difference.

I tried warming up the prey in the bag as well but that seemed to have little difference.

My thinking is that the pythons, both of whom have heat pits, respond strongly to heat and get enough prey scent and taste that they are happy to strike.

The boas and corns seem to rely more on sight and smell/taste and could care less if the prey item is warmed.

Further, warming the rodent in water changes and probably lessens the scent of the prey item and might actually make them a little less interested.

Anyway, random thought, but thought it would interesting to share and see what others' thought and if they had similar experiences.

I know many people warm with a hair dryer and wonder if that changes the scenario.

There is probably scientific evidence to support that Pythons with heat pits prefer warmer prey, but I wonder if there is evidence to support that other snakes, such as boas and colubrids, rely more on other senses.

I also thought this might be helpful for keepers of non-pythons who have read to warm prey on here because much of the talk is about getting BP's to eat.