Make sure you get some feed tongs, if you don't already have them. Also, you will have a better chance at a successful conversion if, after you thaw the rat, use a blow dryer or something to heat the rat up to about 98-100F. This is the natural body temp of a live rat, and heating a thawed rat up to this will reduce the chance of the snake striking, constricting, and then not eating. Good Luck...