A lot of people like using the tongs to hold down the feeders so they wont have a chance at striking the snake, but with the size of the feeder you are probably giving you should be ok. Just dont hold the mouse down with your hand or you could get a nice little love tap from your bp. And I dont know about over scenting but the general consensus seems to be a half hour. But I'm sure your bp will still be interested after two lol.