Quote Originally Posted by KMG View Post
It could be from leaving them in the water too long, or the water is too hot. Every once and awhile one may pop but it should not be a regular thing.

A rat/mouse has a living body temp just over 100F. I thaw my rats in warm tap water for about 45-60 mins. These are S, M, XXL. After they are all thawed I refresh the water with water just over 100F to get them into the correct range.

I used to use freezer bags and try to keep the rats dry but the bags almost always leak so now they go straight into the water. I put all the feeder in small plastic tub and thaw them in it in the bathtub. Then when I refresh the water I carry the entire tub into the snake room so they stay warmer longer. I then offer them without drying them at all. Stuck substrate has never been an issue.
Yes, but every time the rats get wet I always have the issue of the tails falling off or having them explode. I guessed it was because the tissue got too soft so I do my best at keeping them dry. And I usually only thaw them till they are fully thawed and warm to the touch. Usually takes about 45 minutes.