If I can't get ft, I have to rely on a local feed store for live prey. This poses several problems, the two biggest being cost and potential parasites due to where the mice come from. If I buy from the feed store, I euthanize the animal, and freeze it. This kills any parasites and eliminates the possibility of the snake developing a preference for live prey. I've had no issues with this other than having to pay the extremely high price, which is annoying to say the least.