| RE: TIme to allow for defrost large rat?
I just put them into hot water, no bag, and a large rat takes only about 20-30 mins as Mr Bredli says. I don't even bother drying or draining them when offering to the snake, and always get an enthusiastic response. In that short time, there can be no decomposition, especially in the gut. The longer they have to warm up, the greater the chance of that. Having said that, o/nite in the fridge as per TB would be OK too.
I feel that the wet fur aids hydration and makes no difference to the snake's reaction. just make sure that the feeding takes place on a clean substrate so that nothing can stick to the food as it's swallowed, but that should be the case however it is fed.
Jamie.
| 
