Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking for a method that consistantly thaws frozen feeders. The tub of warm water and feeders in zip lock bags are starting to become troublesome. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

W. Smith

That's the best way to do it, how is it becoming "troublesome"?

i empty mine out into a milk container that i cut the top off of and kept the handke intact. Out of their bags into cold tap water then lukewarm then real hot just before feeding, but cool enough to eat. I do a hour increase temp times, works great and no mess.
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1.4 various boas(Flicka,Felony,Nova,Alias,Alibi)
0.1 BRB Abalone; ABBI
1.0 Rott X (OSO)
2.0 cats (Simba, Morris)
fish & feeders
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Mostly due to time...it takes a while for the snakes I have. Feeding live seems so much faster. Secondly, I always feel that the internal and extrenal temps are inconsistant from the temps of live mice and from one batch to another batch of thawed rodents. I would like to find an easy, quick way to thaw many at one time.

Thanks,

W. Smith

I wouldn't run out and buy an ultrasonic cleaner to thaw micicles, but mine works dandy for the purpose. (I don't use the ultrasonic part of it, just the built-in heater with generic freezer baggies.
Mine has a heater controlled with a thermostat, so you can thaw without cooking.

Would you mind telling me more about your method of thawing rodents? How many can you thaw at one time? How long does it take? How much does one of these machines cost?

Thanks,

W. Smith

Rinse out empty unit.
Close drain.
Fill unit with water just the right temp, by feel.
Turn heater on, and adjust dial until heater light just barely comes on.
Drop in sandwich bags of stuff to be thawed, with zip seal opened a little to let air out.
Carefully holding bag top above water, drop mesh basket in, holding baggies under water, close zip seal on baggies.
Go check on snakes to be fed, making sure they are awake and ready, arrange stuff, change water bowls, etc for a few minutes.
It only takes a few minutes for 5-10 adult mice, but I usually feed smallest items first, to make sure biggest mousie is thawed. I could easily thaw 10 rats, but I have nothing that would eat them.
When feeding time is over, I add a squirt of dish soap to the water, turn heater up, and sterilize my equipment. Tongs, small water bowls, thermometers, etc.
Turn off heater when done, open drain so it drains into sink.
Make double sure all snakes are secure. Done.
I'm out of time for the night, gotta go. I'll respond in the AM with the rest of the specifics.
My ultrasonic is a huge industrial model, and it was pricey, but it's a huge timesaver for my reloading/shooting hobby.
Specifics to follow. You could prolly find a small one on ebay with a good controlled heater and enough capacity for $150-$200 if you looked around.

Thanks for the info.

I am still a little unsure of the instrument. Sound great but I have no idea what it would look like. Do you mind providing a picture?

Thanks,

W. Smith

http://www.crest-ultrasonics.com/690.htm
Mine's a 690HTA.
The 690 has a 2.5 gallon capacity, and I got mine new from ebay for what I think was a pretty awesome deal of $700 shipped a few years back. It came with a single stainless basket and cover.
I believe a smaller one would work just fine, just make sure the heater is controlled by a dial or digitally.
I have had good dealings with the crest name plate going on 15 years, so I prefer them, if you're going for economy, I'm sure other brands can be had cheaper.

Oh and it;s certainly worth $700 for what could be done in a $9.99 crock-pot or an almost free glass of tap water.

Well, to be fair, I already had it, no reason for that tone.
And it does work well.

Sorry, wasn't referring to you as you said, you already had it. I was referring more to the fact that anyone would even consider buying one of those at that cost just for thawing mice.

I just soak my meeses in hot water without a baggie. I dry them a bit with a paper towel.

Is this a bad way?