The truth about feeding BPs. Help!

[Dragon Queen]

I really want a BP. I have had reptiles before (kingsnake, cornsnake, Bearded dragon, leopard gecko) so I have some knowledge. I like to do lots of research beforehand, which I did. I've looked at many sites, browsed the forum, talked to the reptile specialty store people, people in the local pet stores.....

I had 2 people help me while picking out my snake (from a reptile specialty store), and the second person made me feel very discourage about ever getting it to eat frozen/thawed. I would really rather not feed live, and he was saying maybe a BP is not for me. I know that is a risk with all snakes, but no one has led me to believe it is as hard as he made it sound. I talked to the reptile person at our local pet store, who made it sound easier, the impression I had been given by the caresheets I read and the first person who had helped me.


I guess my question is how hard is it to feed frozen/thawed as a generalization with Ball Pythons. Is it really quite tricky? Do most refuse?

I know if the temperatures are perfect, and you maybe pre-scent, or move the prey as well as warming it that can help with other kinds of snakes. Is the same true with Ball Pythons? Any other advice?

I have seen people saying their snakes eat F/T around this forum, and I know these are considered a good beginner snake, so I can't imagine it is so impossibly hard.

At this point I am thinking of getting the snake, trying my very hardest to feed it frozen thawed, and if it won't feed it live while still trying to switch it over.

Thanks,

Draba


ETA: I think I should also add that I will be getting a baby.... I found the most amazing little pinstripe, but the snake is only on hold for the rest of the day. They did say I can pay for 1/2 the snake, and they will try to feed it hot and dead, and if it won't give me store credit. I think I would just take the snake anyways....