Quote Originally Posted by Snagrio View Post
I do wonder how it works with thawing several prey items at the same time for multiple snakes, especially if it's during a period where some may be fasting. Which begs the question, if you have snakes that you know probably aren't going to eat, do you thaw out what is meant to be their meal first? That way if they refuse it can just be tossed to a reliable eater?

The way it goes for me is that it takes roughly 2 1/2 hours from removal from the freezer to getting grabbed for consumption to ensure proper thawing. And the way I've figured it, when I eventually have more than one serpent and fasting periods inevitably happen (my current snake is a BP, it's going to happen, which is why I want to get a "feeding companion" for him someday that will reliably take those refusals to prevent waste since refreezing is generally discouraged), I'll have to figure out a more efficient method so I don't have to set aside an entire day of my time just thawing rodent carcasses.
You’re spot on Snagrio. All of my snakes are very reliable eaters. Even the ones that take winter fasts eat any other time. For the winter breaks I offer food two weeks after a first refusal. I know if refuse twice they’re typically shut down for a few months. I’ll still offer them food every 4-6 weeks and one of them will eat occasionally. When they don’t eat it goes to whoever’s next in line so nothing goes to waste. I’ve got a pretty good system going and there’s always hungry snakes since they only eat every 2-4 weeks.

It takes 5-6 hours from the time I start defrosting the rodents until I feed the snakes. I like to make sure the larger prey items are thoroughly thawed. Once they know it’s feeding time all the hungry snakes are at the front of their enclosures.