I thaw mine in water so that the temperature of the mouse is higher. Normally their prey has a body temp of 100-101 degrees. My snakes have a better feed response with warmer prey than cool, and I figure that it will digest more readily if it's warmer. Also, I don't want to sit around for 3 hours waiting for my mouse to thaw to room temp. I usually hold my snake and hang out with her, throw the mouse in hot water, then put her in the feeding box and give her the mouse. She eats it, and gets put away in her viv. Easy as pie.