Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

DIABLO · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:13 pm Post subject: Quick defrosting question !!!

What is the best way of defrosting rodents ??? Alot of places say leaving it in hot water to get a bit of heat in to it too. How long do i do that for though ?? Cheers in advance
_________________
www.hampshiresubaru.co.uk

DIABLO · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:22 pm Post subject:

Nobody answering Crying or Very sad

_________________
www.hampshiresubaru.co.uk

GJ · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:49 pm Post subject:

Depending on the size of the rodents i leave them out on top of the Viv, the gentle heat defrosts them slowly.

I use to put them in sandwich bags and thaw them out in warm water. Gave up on that method long ago because the water kept getting into the bags (even after a tying a knot) and soaked the mice. Mine would not feed on the wet mice so i had to give them a blow dry with a hair dryer Laughing

.

The mice should feel slightly warm to the touch.

Scott W · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:54 pm Post subject:

I always leave them at room temp over night, then warm them slightly on a heat mat just before I use them.

I don't personally like the hot water method as it very slighty cooks the rodent and if they are of poor quality they can break up or burst. Plenty of people on here do use that method without problems though Wink

_________________

Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

Peter Parrot · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 10:05 pm Post subject:

I defrost naturally and then warm up again by leaving on a heat mat or dunking in warm water depending on the individual snake`s preference.
_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

Stuart · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:28 am Post subject:

Have always defrosted in hot water for as long as I can remember..never had a problem but as Scott says they can burst if done in water that is too hot although I have only ever had this with pinkies or rat pups.For those I just use slightly cooler water.
_________________

DIABLO · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:48 am Post subject:

I defrosted in water and everything was ok there, toyed with the snake on the end of a pair of tongs and she went for it swallowed it down and is now digesting, been with me since sunday so am really happy. Means she is nice and happy, unstressed and everything is tickety boo with her viv !!! Cheers for all the advice guys and gals
_________________
www.hampshiresubaru.co.uk

Drymarchon32 · Key Member Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Posts: 271

Hey guys and gals,
just thought i would add a quick note to this discussion. There are certain risks associated with defrosting any kind of food, just ask the last place you got food poisoning.

By placing food in any kind of warm environment you do run the risk of high numbers of bacteria, and bacterial blooms. Warm water is the worst for this apparently. This is not so good for the animal you're going to feed it to.

Now I'm not saying that you can't get away with it and there may never be a problem but you run the risk, I placed defrosting food on heat pads or under lights to defrost for years without issue.

The best way to defrost any food is in the fridge overnight. This avoids excess bacterial growth. Now I understand that once defrosted most people will want to heat the food item to room temp, and this is fine 'cos the time it takes is so much less than frozen to warm. I have found that with snakes with heat pits, that simply holding the head of the mouse under a 40Watt bulb for 5 seconds gets it to the right temp, but always feel it before offering it up.
Its a hassle but that's the way it goes. Hope you don't mind me sticking my beak in,
Al

Peter Parrot · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 9:11 pm Post subject:

Al, carry on sticking your beak in, it`s what the forum is for. Wink

_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

GJ · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 9:41 pm Post subject:

Bacteria is present in all frozen rodents and foods, it simply lies dormant during the freezing stage. It will multiply above fridge temperature and a snakes stomach is prime breeding ground for bacterial growth. This generally isn't a problem with a healthy snake which has access to proper temps.

May take a while(quicker then defrosting in the fridge)but you can defrost under a cold running tap, just warm it slightly under a bulb before you feed.