I recently struggled with a couple hatchlings that wouldn't eat and for me it was the live vs. f/t that solved the issue. It was very difficult to find live mice but I was able to and that made all the difference. I wish I could've had someone tell me in a kind way that live can be THAT important. Fortunately it only took 2 live feedings to get my two on track and the next feeding they flawlessly switched to f/t so don't feel like if you do feed live it'll have to be forever. So as others have said, follow the hatchling care and husbandry advice but also if possible consider live since it was THE missing piece in my case. Good luck!