I started breeding when I hit the twenty snake mark. I order frozen in bulk. However, I have a few snakes that take live only. So I keep a few few females for breeding. I do prepare some of the live as frozen thawed as well. If you get into breeding you will want to breed a few for convenience. I will admit I don't like rats. The snakes are so much easier to care for. Their bites are no where as bad as a bite from a rat. However to do what I want and to have the convience of the live feeders. I Do what I must.