I thaw out a dozen or so chicks each week to throw some variety in the mix. While I'd often offer them to the balls, I never had any takers. Most of my other snakes pounce on the chicks though. I do like offering variety and think it strengthens the general response to food when you get animals to the point that they'll accept multiple prey types. I reckon half of my snakes would eat an old boot now if I dangled it from some tongs.