Guide · frozen feeders
How to thaw frozen mice and rats safely.
The fridge or cool water, a short warm-up before feeding, and the mistakes that cause refusals.
How do you thaw a frozen mouse for a snake?
Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or sealed in a bag in cool water until soft all the way through. Then warm the bagged mouse briefly in warm water so it’s warm on the outside with no cold centre. Never microwave it, never refreeze it, and offer it with tongs.
The two safe methods
Overnight in the fridge (best)
- Move the frozen feeder into a sealed bag or covered container.
- Leave it in the fridge for about a day. Larger rats can take longer.
- On feeding day, warm it as described below.
Sealed in cool water (faster)
- Put the frozen feeder in a zip-top bag and press the air out.
- Submerge it in cool water. Change the water if it gets cold.
- Small mice take under an hour. Rats take longer. It’s ready when it’s soft all the way through.
Warming before you offer it
Snakes find prey by warmth, so most take a feeder more readily when it’s slightly warm. Once fully thawed, set the bagged feeder in warm water for a few minutes. Feel it: it should be warm on the outside, not hot, and with no cold centre.
Never use the microwave. It heats unevenly, leaves hot and frozen spots, and can burst the feeder. Don’t use boiling water either.
Food safety
- Don’t refreeze a thawed feeder.
- Feed it the same day it’s thawed. If your snake refuses it, throw it out.
- Use tongs or feeding tweezers, not your hand.
- Wash your hands and anything the feeder touched.
- Keep frozen feeders in their own sealed bag or container in the freezer.
Getting it home
Frozen orders are collected frozen. On a warm day or a longer drive, bring a cooler bag so they go straight back into your freezer still frozen.