We've been feeding with tongs, since day one, and we usually put the mouse in a bag and run very hot water over the bag and then blow dry the mouse.

Are you positive there's no other option then live? I know I'm really stressing over it, I'm just really hesitant, I've been told live is just trouble, I'm okay with feeding him babies that are still blind, it's just the transition from live to f/t or p/k after he's used to live that I'm not sure (s)he'll make. (S)He's VERY stubborn.