This not only provides the needed light but additional heat as well. Monitor temperature to be sure not to overheat the cage. Rats of appropriate size have been more readily accepted than mice, but some animals do prefer mice. Recent imports may even prefer hamsters or gerbils at first. Hamsters and gerbils are extremely aggressive and can easily kill the snake.
Some ball pythons prefer birds.
Chicks may be used to scent dead rodents in an attempt to switch them over. One technique suggested to get wild caught animals to begin eating is to place the snake and a fuzzy mouse or rat in a brown grocery bag. Fold the bag closed and secure it with a pinch type clothespin. Place the bag in the snake's aquarium and leave it overnight. Another technique suggested is to use an inverted clay flower pot as a hide box.