5 out of 6 of mine take f/t fine but the other will only take live and thats once a month before a shed. So it all depends on the snake. If you want an animal that eats rodents you should be prepared to feed live if that's what it wants IMHO. There are other snakes that have been mentioned that you won't have any problems with in that aspect. And how would forcing food down an animals throat just to make yourself feel better not be animal abuse? Honest question