Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My new BP just ate its first mouse last Tuesday (live hopper). Now that it has eaten once, I want to try and switch to F/T. I am going to pick up a frozen hopper tonight to feed it tomorrow.

What is the best method for thawing a frozen mouse? I have heard that some snakes don't like wet mice if thawed in water. Also, how long do I thaw?

Thanks,
Nick

Well, I put mine in hot water until they're all squooshy all the way through and they hold their warmth for a couple minutes outside of the sink - make sure the belly doesn't feel chilly. For my med rats, I leave them in for about half an hour. So, go by that, hehe.

Wet rats can be good for snakes. Gives them extra hydration and can, apparently, relieve constipation.

BUT if they don't like wet rats, just put them in the sink in a plastic bag.

If they've never eaten f/t before, make sure the rat's warm when you feed it. Can can "see" the heat. Or try "braining" it - poking it so's the brain's all exposed and smellable to the snake. Also try wiggling it with forceps - the "dancing mouse" routine. Just not too close to their face, or above them. Along the floor.

Yup.
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-Irish
My Snakes

Just stick them in the microwave!!!! KIDDING. I use a fair sized tupperware and fill it with really hot water, usually (depending on the size of the rodent) by the time the water cools down they are defrogged. I put them in a ziplock bag and put something kindof heavy on the bag to sink it. you can just put them straigh in the water, but it will wash some of the scent off and your herp may not want it then. NOTE F/T rodents an be somewhat freeser burned (a lot of liquid removed from them) and can cause your herp to get dehydrated so like the other guy said it helps to soak them, however I use a hyperdermic to shoot them up with about 100cc's of water (small rats).
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My Snake page

I thaw under my BP's heat lights (incandescent is fine) rather than in warm water, as some snakes don't like the wet mice, and there is this weird "exploding" problem that sometimes occurs with this method. I thaw the mice on top of Monty's cage, so he can smell them as they are thawing. By the time they are ready, he is generally in his "mouse worshipping" pose, staring up at the mouse and waiting for me to give it to him. I use a pair of metal tongs, pick the mouse up by the tail, and dangle it in front of Monty's face. He takes it the instant it is in range, but I know some people say they have to shake the mouse a bit, so the snake sees movement. I've never had to do this, but I think Monty is part Hoover. He then squeezes his dead mouse, sure he is killing it himself, and eats it.

I know that feeding inside the cage is not recommended for most snakes, but it has never been a problem with Monty. Even if you use a separate feeding box, you could still use the above method.

Wendy