For my one snake who eats live, I pre-scent the area for about half an hour in the evening (around 8 or 9:00pm). I drop the mouse in and - BAM- snake takes the mouse.

For the rest of the snakes who eat f/t, I pre-scent all day long as the rats are thawing. When the rats are thawed, I open the bags and really let the scent out for about 30 or 45 minutes. I increase the heat signature of the rodent with a blow dryer and then hold the rodent between the shoulder blades with hemostats.

Most of my snakes just slam the rat the minute I open their cage or tub, but I do have a couple who need the rat zombie dance!!!