I dont think snakes get excited or more into it. Every keeper is ultimately responsible for their own herps. I would only feed live as a last resort. Sometimes when a ball python gets injured or bitten by a prey item they associate feedings with being injured and some never eat again or they go off feed for a very long time. I get a rat and put it in a ziploc bag and bang it against the kitchen counter and that killes it pretty much instantly. Then i use some tongs and dangle the rat in front of them. It makes me jump every time he strikes he hits it hard and fast and coils his whole body then i kind of tug on the tail with the tongs a little to simulate live prey. I have done this with Jojo my oldest ball python and with Coco my 8 week old BP and they never refuse a meal. Feeding live may be cool but having an injured snake that you have to take to the vet for at least 60 bux. If i had to choose between killing a rodent to feed my snake or seeing my snake get scratched and bit by a mouse. Well the choice is easy.

Just to remind you a tiny little mouse did this. http://www.proexotics.com/graphics/b...ive_prey_1.jpg

But as far as your question just stick to feeding one mouse at a time. If he is ready for larger prey then just move up to the next size.