I use hot tap water. I soak the rats and allow them to thaw. Once thawed which is usually about 45 minutes and that's for small rats up to XXL rats.
Once thawed I change the water out and give them 15 minutes to heat up. Once heated I again change the water out and carry the rats with water and all in a tub to the snake room where they are fed.
I have had rats pop before but never like you are describing. Tails coming off is not such a surprise with a strong feeder.
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