Personally, I wouldn't use boiling water. You run the risk of it being too hot. I use hot water from the tap and let the rodent soak for several minutes so it holds the heat. I then hold the rodent to make sure its not too hot before offering it to the snake.I heard one way to do it is drop the rat (after thawed) into boiling water for 2 seconds (literally one dip in and out). Is that a method that anyone else uses, i have never used it just something i heard but am willing to try it. I just want to get some opinions on it first because I know your not suppose to cook them
I've found that if I hold the rat by the body with tongs and move it around like a live rodent, it helps. Also I tap the enclosure with the tongs as I move the rodent. This seems to stimulate interest. I also play 'catch me if you can' with the rodent. I never let the snake get upclose and personal with its food. I make the snake strike.
With the age, size and weight of your snake, I wouldn't worry too much. She has lots of reserves and should eat when she feels everything is right.
On my smaller neonates, I put them in an incubator at 87F with 80% Humidity and a hide. This usually works getting THEM to eat.
This time of year MOST of my adult BPs are fasting.
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