I tried thawed and he wouldnt eat it. He was eating live before i got him. I do not leave him alone and watch the whole time to make sure he doesnt get hurt. It could be from the rat claws? but i dont think it is because of some of the stops locations (by tail and lower half of body) the rats never got close to his lower half as both times he fed he was wrapped around the rats middle where the back claws couldnt reach him (if that makes sense) and i use the forest floor bedding it is a cypress mulch bedding and is brown