| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| acd1984 |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 21:21:53
Hi Guys, thought I would create a post on how I warm my prey items and I would like you to post your own methods for people who are just starting out with snakes and are not sure whats what.
After defrosting the rats/mice for about 6 hours (depending on size), this is what I do:
I have 2 tubs, 1 that the rats/mice were defrosted in.
The second one I half fill with hot water from the kettle and place the first tub in that.
After 15 - 20 seconds the rats/mice are warm enough to be offered, I generally offer the smaller items first so the larger items have a little more warming time.
From the various methods I have used, this is my preferred option, its fast, clean and effective.
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| 11 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| jonnyc1988 |
Posted - 21/10/2012 : 05:00:00
I normally put the frozen rat in a plastic tub and leave it on top of the viv. I put it over where the ceramic bulb is and it gently warms it. Then I give the rat a quick blast with the hair dryer before serving on a bed of rocket..... okay so maybe theres no salad, but these posts are starting to sound like cooking instructions lol. |
| jonoandapril |
Posted - 19/10/2012 : 18:57:33
I stick them in a tub Woh the lid on and just leave them untill I get back from work. Worked well until not so long ago when they stopped eating :( |
| jimmer7 |
Posted - 19/10/2012 : 18:20:55
Hi I take the rat out of freezer in morning, rap in kitchen towel and leave all day.when feeding time I fill a cup up with hot tap water and place rat in.I then put my royal in his feeding box, I then grab rat with tongs dab off excess water with kitchen towel then offer food to Winston.job done . |
| Lotabob |
Posted - 19/10/2012 : 00:26:00
I get the rats out in the morning and leave them on top of the vivarium (cold side), once they have defrosted fully I move them over to where the heat bulb is mounted to heat them up. I prefer to defrost them not using heat as I dont want to miss any frozen bits inside because the outside is hot. I also find having the food sitting out close by has the snakes all out and hunting ready for feeding, specially the Boa, she can smell a rat from a mile away. |
| Baobab |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 23:24:46
We allow the rats/mice to defrost at room temperature throughout the day, then when it's time to feed, place the prey in a freezer bag then into a cup of tap hot water for a few minutes to warm up, then offer from tongs. The large rats are defrosted the same but are warmed up with a hair drier in the same room as the customer and offered to the recipient in their viv. |
| HaydenK |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 23:08:44
I use the exact same method as Acd ;) I usually leave the rats 4+ hours to defrost first though, Never had any issues ;) (only the odd non feeder) |
| ppl_clectr |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 22:16:38
I put mine in sandwich bags if I am only doing a few, like markmifsud, and cover in hot tap water. On my big feed day, I put the rats directly in the hot water in a designated bowl. I made the mistake of using boiling water from the kettle over partially warmed rats once, and not only did it make their hair pull out (scalded), one rat literally burst. Worst thing I have ever smelled in my life. Rat intestinal contents smell putrid. I have a couple really picky snakes that require the heads to be "blow dried". |
| Cookie |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 21:55:25
The easiest way for me is to leave the rats on top of the viv above the heat source for a few hours, they normally defrost and are warm enough within about 4-5 hours. My boys are that greedy they'd prob eat them frozen haa |
| markmifsud |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 21:49:00
I put my rats in sandwich bags, then leave in a tub of hot water to defrost. when its time for feeding, I run the hot tap in the tub for a while to warm up the rats. I have never used boiling water as they will start to cook the flesh |
| Fezza |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 21:34:39
This could be a great thread, possible a sticky once there are plenty of posts
My method is true to my "less is more, quicker is better" philosophy
1) select amount/variety of item to be defrosted
2) boil kettle
3) place item to be defrosted in a large enough container to allow all item to be covered in water
4) cover items in boiling water
5) leave for 30-40mins
6) re boil kettle
7) cover items in fresh hot water
8) feed snakes
This is how all my snakes have been fed over the last 10+ years and has never let me down |
| AndyJ80 |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 21:33:19
I do pretty much the same but I only warm the head as I think it gives them a target zone |
