Magick ... you can try jumping in both feet first. I would definitely make sure that the mouse/rat is super warm and you might have to do the mousie dance. Its definitely worth it in my opinon though. You might want to give these threads a read. They could provide some good info for you:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/index.ph...ewtopic&t=4266
http://www.ball-pythons.net/index.ph...ewtopic&t=3341
http://www.ball-pythons.net/index.ph...ewtopic&t=4824