I prefer ASF to other feeders because my snakes like them and they tend to maintain weight better. It seemed like when I fed ASF my snakes didn't poop as much and they appeared to hold onto every gram put into their bodies. However, rats are more convenient and if you ever have to sell a snake it'll be easier to sell one that's on rats. As far as ASF being crack to snakes, I didn't find that at all. All of my snakes switched readily between ASF and rats (I alternated rat one week, next two weeks ASF, etc). Just remember that it's your personal choice and every snake is different. ASF were easy to breed, although they do take a while to grow to a decent size ( my largest was 120 grams). If you breed for disposition they aren't too bad. You just have to remember that these animals weren't really intended for the pet trade, so most of them are pretty 'wild'. Good luck.