My snakes eat f/t or fresh killed. IF a snake absolutely needs to feed live, I will provide them with a well cared for, fed, watered, unstressed animal. I would also like to provide "obstacles" or "hiding" place, so the prey feels more comfortable and less threatened. When I say "obstacle" or "hiding place", I don't mean something that would trap the snake and put it in greater danger, just something that would make the prey feel safe. i.e. a toilet paper tube which feels enclosed, but has an opening on each end so there's really no trapped feeling.