New BP owner ( Need some assurance)

[Eric Alan]

When you are thawing food items you want to keep in mind that it is very different from thawing something like chicken or beef that we would eat. Since you are thawing the entire animal you have to be careful not to let it go bad because it still has all the nasty stuff inside that will start to decompose the food if left to thaw incorrectly.

This means that you will not leave the food on the counter but rather keep it in the refrigerator as it thaws, which will greatly slow the process.

Per Bill and Jim Galloway over at Loxahatchee Herp Hatchery, who also run Loxahatchee Rodents and Perfect Prey, and know a thing or two about ball pythons and frozen feeders:

What is the best way to thaw out rodents for feeding?

I prefer to let the rodents thaw to room temperature either overnight if I plan on feeding in the morning, or during the day if I’m going to feed at night.

Unless you're being ridiculous about leaving them sit out for long periods of time, room temperature thawing is a perfectly safe way to go. It's by no means the fastest method time-wise, but I can be feeding very shortly after work after the rats have thawed themselves, rather than waiting for the hot water method. Both work equally well, though, so it's just a matter of personal preference on which will be most convenient for you.

As a side note, normal rat body temperatures are between 35.9 C (96.6 F) and 37.5 C (99.5 F) (source: http://web.jhu.edu/animalcare/procedures/rat.html). Make sure when heating, you get up to at least this range since they won't recognize a room temp rat as food.

[Eric Alan]

No need to overly complicate things. I'm learning quickly once the basics are down everything else will fall into place naturally somewhat.

This x 1000%! So many get stuck in the details and forget the reason they got a snake in the first place: they're sooo much fun!

[Cowtipper]

I have always put my rats, mice and rabbits in a bucket of hot water, no zip lock bag, and let them sit until the water is cold, then dump it out and fill it again with hot water to make sure the guts are warmed up. Every snake has always eaten for me, and I feel it goes down easier when the rodent is wet, rather than dry fur.
This is just how I have always done it, I don't weigh my food, I just buy whatever sizes I need and feed them, I don't worry about what exact temp the rat is, if it's warm, it's ready, none ever have refused a feeding in the 22 years I've been keeping constrictors. Other guys like to make a science out it, that's cool, I just have never been into doing it that way. You're on the right track, and asking good questions, but some of it is a learning experience; get to know your snake and the signs he is showing you, and have fun with him.

[Eric Alan]

Every snake has always eaten for me... none ever have refused a feeding in the 22 years I've been keeping constructors.

If you've never had a ball python refuse a meal in 22 years, then you must be a wizard. There's just no other explanation.

[Cowtipper]

I've only had a couple of Ball pythons in that span, and didn't have them for very long, but they weren't problem feeders while I had them.

[motorhead1980]

Decided to hold off last night, but will give it a try the next day or two. Fingers crossed! Thank god for forums, always good to get varied opinions

[Tiffanie]

A hot glue gun (NOT tape) would work to hold the thermometer probe in place

OMG why did I never think of this! Mine has been moving around and bugging the crap out of me! Sheer genius my friend! Thank u!!

[Eric Alan]

OMG why did I never think of this! Mine has been moving around and bugging the crap out of me! Sheer genius my friend! Thank u!!

Just don't glue directly over the part of the probe that does the temperature sensing. Use it on the cord right near the probe, but not on the probe itself. You don't want the glue acting like an insulator and messing up your readings.

[motorhead1980]

Just don't glue directly over the part of the probe that does the temperature sensing. Use it on the cord right near the probe, but not on the probe itself. You don't want the glue acting like an insulator and messing up your readings.

I'll have to give this a try as well. She has spent the last 3 hours out her hide roaming around. Very active tonight even with me being in the room.