So I recently got a Ball python, she's around 4 years old and today I've tried to feed her for the first time. Now it's the evening and she was out and about so I thawed this small rat to feed her and turns out she didn't eat. She may or may not have gotten stressed because as I was wiggling the rat a little she backed off and went into her hide. Now I've heard you can leave a thawed prey in the enclosure overnight but I was kind of hesitant as to where I should leave it. I feel like the most convinient place would be on a branch that's a little elevated so it's closer to the heating lamp? Maybe on one of the two hides (made of clay I think)? Or should I just not bother and leave it straight on the substrate (not sure about this one for obvious reasons)?

Opinions? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for the help!

PS. My temps seem to be good but my himidity is a little low. But that's not really the issue right now, I only want to know where to leave the rat overnight.