Dry it with a towel before hitting it with the hairdryer. A weaned rat is the same size as a jumbo mouse. If you gas your own or snap trap them it's safer then live. Live is safe "if" the prey isn't hungry an you don't leave it (prey) in over 30-45 minutes.

Size chart:
Ball Python Feeding Guidelines (ball-pythons.net)

Time to find some backyard prey breeds in your AO.

Good luck!