Hm. I've never had a problem with thawing them in a bowl of hot water. I just turn the hot water tap on, wait until it starts getting warm and then fill it up. Put the mouse in a baggy in the water and let it sit for about 15 mins, flipping it over to the other side at about the 6-7 min mark. I check to make sure the stomach is squishy and then warm up the head in front of a space heater.