It seemed so wrong, but felt so right...

[Chocolate Muffin's]

I have always fed live and so has the breeder that I get both my snakes and mice/rats from. I have never had a problem feeding this way and you need to remember that a snakes skin is tougher than you think so the kicking does nothing more than make the snake squeese tighter.

I would just like it if my snake would let the pray hit the floor of their tank before they eat the thing.

Now that's an interesting point that I haven't heard and I think Bruce's point is interesting too: I didn't take into account the thickness or durability of the snake's skin. I have always read that rodents could inflict serious injury to a snake with their feet, paws and hands. I have never read or interpreted this in the context of the feeding response as Bruce mentioned. Very interesting. I guess I'm fortunate to have good eaters so far, but down the line, I will keep this in mind.