I've been feeding bp's for well over a year in a separate container without problems. I have glass tanks for all the snakes decked out with nice decor, fake plants, etc etc... putting a rat in it would be a nightmare! Think rat poop, chewing on the plants, and lots and lots of places for it to hide.

So, come feeding day, they get fed in their feeding tubs outside of their enclosure. No feeding problems here.