Ok let's see... Thawing rats. I usually put the frozen rodent into a baggie or two (don't want water to wash away the scent and their claws somtimes poke holes in the baggies), and then submerge it in a container of warm water with a lid on it. After and hour or two I check to make sure that the rodent is fully thawed. Squeeze the roundest part of the stomach and make sure it's all squishy. (I've also heard to check at the base of the skull as well) Once I'm sure it's thawed then I empty out the cool water and add pretty warm water. I leave it for another 5 minutes or so, and then take the nice, warm and dry rodents to the snakes. I usually use tongs and dangle the rodent for a minute or so and dinner is served! Some people can just leave the rodent in the cage and it will be eaten, but I don't like leaving the rodents in the cages. So I do the mouse zombie dance (which is a slow dance - no breakdancing!) Just gently sway the rodent and hopefully it will go well. You can always try scenting if he doesn't take it at first. Get some mouse bedding and rub all over the rat, but only if he doesn't take it. Mine see the tongs now, and know it's feeding time. Anyway I hope that helps.