I've had my ball python for a few months now and I've been feeding him live rats in a separate container, as that's what the person I got him from always did. She said she did this so that he did not become "tank aggressive" and associate opening the tank with feeding time and accidentally bite her when she went to handle him. I've since read that this is just a myth? I can't seem to find a clear answer though.
Anyway, I've never had any issues with feeding him in a separate container except that it is quite inconvenient and becomes a two person job. I would like to know if it is possible to just feed him a live rat in his tank? Would there be an issue with just dropping the rat in there with him? Should I remove his hides or water bowl first? I always watch to make sure the rat does not harm my BP, but should I be worried that he will ingest his substrate? Or if the rat will leave behind waste that I might miss? Please help me figure out the safest option for him!