If you do have a store that gives you live for pretty cheap maybe you should look into fresh kill using your own Co2 tank. For $50 dollars I got into an exchange program for a 20lb Co2 tank (lasts forever). When empty i just pay $20 and trade it for a full one. Never have to recertify as all the tanks i exchange it with are already certified. Get your live rat, Co2 it, and feed it fresh. Works for me. I breed my own rats so this is how i do it but if you buy live you can do it this way too. My fiance will not allow rats anywhere there is people food lol so frozen is pretty much out unless I get another freezer. Also with this method if the snake refuses you can always freeze the rat and try again next time. I have never had to do this as i have never had a rejection out of my 18 snakes. Just lucky i guess (knock on wood).