Hey Guys. Here's a quick video explaining the pros and cons of both Live and Frozen Thawed rats for Ball Pythons.
Frozen prey thawed in the refrigerator overnight has less chance to cause problems than one thawed on the countertop. A feeder rat or mouse must be treated like a potentially hazardous food (PHF) for human comsuption.

Common Breeder Rat Species, the Norfolk Rat. stock.xchngVI. 1. Always Having Feeders When You Need Them!Most people who breed their own feeders don't bother to do frozen-thawed rodents. It's too time-consuming and so the snakes get used to eating live prey.

Thawing frozen rats is crucial for reptile owners to provide a nutritious meal for their snakes, especially ball pythons. Using methods like warm water baths ensures that the rodents are safely thawed without external hot spots that can cause burns.

I tried frozen thawed twice, then tried a pre killed. After failing on those three rats I tried a live just to see if she was off food, she took it no issues. Only issue is I cant be in there with her while she is eating because she is super shy while eating.
By feeding your ball python frozen and thawed rats or mice, you can enjoy greater convenience, improved safety, and a wider range of prey sizes. This method also reduces the risk of disease transmission, while ensuring that your pet receives the proper nutrition it needs to thrive.
Frozen Feeder Handling. Breeders/Wholesale. Contact.Room Temperature Thawing - Frozen Mice and Frozen Rats. Remove the frozen mouse or rat from your bag and place in a non-porous container and leave in a secure area for approximately 1-3 hours until thawed.