Hi all just have a question on a small dilemma I'm facing. My Male bp has always had a weird feeding schedule. He usually takes a small/medium live rat one or twice a month(usually once and I only feed medium when it's the only available size and I know he will take it). After every two meals he goes into like a month and a half to two month "fast" then sheds. I've been attempting to feed f/t since the middle of July with no success but I chalk this up to his shedding "fast" as he just shed Sunday. This time when I attempted he seemed very interested but did not take. He usually goes into the BP fast early-mid October and last time shut down for 6 months. I know hat bps can go 6+ months without eating but should I cave and feed live so I know he gets a final meal or two before the winter fast? Or should I keep up with the tough love in hopes he switches?

Some info:
i have really no objections to feeding live. I want to switch because it is more convenient, I'll be moving in with my gf eventually so it gives her peace of mind and I don't want to deal with having to take live rats back to the store that he refused.
Temps and humidity are on point. Heat is provided with a RHP in a t-8 hooked up to a herpstat and temps are monitored with a temp gun and probe. He just dedicated and shed Sunday.
He weighs about 1200 grams.
P.S if anyone is reading this that read my multiple threads on my struggle with my hoggie she is doing really well. She's up 60 grams since May and I appreciate all the help given.
Thank you in advance for your replies