I thaw in a plastic bag, in hot water until they're completely thawed through. Some of mine will take them at whatever temperature and some want them piping hot (ok...regular rodent temperature), so I'll hit them with the hair dryer for a few minutes.
Some of mine will take them right off the tongs. I grab the rodent by the back legs/tail and dangle it above the snake's head. Snatch. Coil. Consume.
Some want me to "dance" it for them. For those, I'll grab the rodent by the scruff of the neck and "walk" it around the tub. It's horribly annoying and I don't think I'm a very good "zombie rat dancer," because I've only had moderate success with this. I think I move it too fast...