I prefer feeding live prey as well. I tried the f/t route, but it took way too much time and
when a stomach blew out, always when not if, it was thoroughly disgusting. I do have
access to a supplier who's very cheap/clean and never runs out of whatever size I need
at any given time. I keep any left overs in a 20 gallon tank where they are housed and fed
until needed since balls are known to not be in the mood to eat on a whim.
I don't think keeping my own colony of rats and or mice would work for me since they
breed rather rapidly and grow just as fast, I only have 10 right now. My fear being that they
would be either too big or too small when needed. Something to think about before setting
yourself up. Granted I've read that some people freeze the rats at the right size for them
so this doesn't happen.
good luck