I usually thaw mine by placing them in a ziplock bag and soaking the bag in hot water (hot enough to thaw fast, but not cook). A medium rat usually thaws in about an hour, and is nice and hot. I use the tongs and "do the dance" with it for about 5 minutes, just enough to get their attention. If they don't strike during this time, I will lay it 2-3 inches away from their hide and leave the room for an hour. One of mine won't even eat if I'm in the room for some reason, so I usually do this for him and it's gone when I come back. If at that point they don't eat it, I'll refreeze and offer it again next week. Usually they'll take it at that point (I had someone once tell me that because the freezing/thawing breaks down the tissue, it's stronger smelling and more appetizing after the second thaw). If they don't, I'll throw it out.
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