Thaw frozen mice and rats at room temperature, right beside your snake's enclosure, until they're soft all the way through. Then offer the feeder with tongs. Never microwave a feeder, and never refreeze one that has thawed.

That's the whole method. Thawing beside the enclosure does two jobs at once: the feeder warms up evenly, and your snake picks up the scent as it thaws, which helps trigger a feeding response. Bigger feeders take longer, so start a large rat earlier than a pinky mouse.

Step by step

1. Take one feeder out of the freezer on feeding day. Keep the rest sealed and frozen.
2. Lay it on top of the cage or beside the bin, anywhere your snake can smell it.
3. Let it thaw at room temperature until it's soft all the way through, with no cold center.
4. Offer it with tongs. A little wiggle helps.
5. Wash your hands and the tongs after. Treat a thawed feeder like raw meat.

What not to do

Don't microwave a feeder. Microwaves heat unevenly and can leave cold spots or cook parts of it. Don't refreeze a feeder once it has thawed. And don't offer one that's still frozen in the middle.

If your snake won't eat it

Most snakes take frozen-thawed without trouble. If yours ignores a feeder, make sure it's thawed all the way through, thaw it where your snake can smell it, wiggle it with tongs, and feed in a quiet, dim room. Some ball pythons and hognose are picky or go off food seasonally; a healthy adult holding its weight is usually fine. If your snake is losing weight, see a reptile vet.

Every Frostbite feeder is individually weighed, flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed, so you can feed by grams, not guesswork. See the size chart, or read Live vs Frozen Feeders and Rats vs Mice: When to Switch.

Thawing FAQ

Can I microwave a frozen mouse or rat?
No. Microwaves heat unevenly and can leave cold spots or cook parts of the feeder. Thaw at room temperature instead.

Can I refreeze a thawed feeder?
No. Once a feeder has thawed, offer it or throw it away.

Where should I thaw it?
Right by your snake: on top of the cage or beside the bin. The scent as it thaws helps trigger a feeding response.

How do I know it's fully thawed?
It's soft all the way through with no cold or firm center. Bigger feeders take longer.

How should I store frozen feeders?
Keep them frozen and sealed until feeding day, then take out only what you'll feed.