How do you feed your Snake?

[redshepherd]

Quick newbie question and not an attempt to hijack the thread...

I've noticed a lot of folks add they thaw the frozen prey in zip lock bag either in hot H2O or the fridge - the reptile shop I got my bp from said to toss the frozen in hottest tap H2O (NOT boiling) and let it soak for 10 mins. Then lightly dry and proceed to do the zombie dance in front of the snake and it seems to be working, so far every time.

Is there a better/proper/safer way or this method is just fine?

Thanks

10 minutes is way too short, unless it's a rat pinky or something really small. I soak in very warm water (but that you're still able to run your hand in without getting burned) for an hour or a few hours, depending on the size of the rat. You don't want to risk a bit of the inside of the rat still being frozen, as it could cause necrosis and then death of the snake... Better to over-wait than to be hasty about it.