Rachel, with our 5 female balls and the 1 male boa we've fed everything from live to f/t to p/k, depending on what each particular snake will readily and consistently eat. It is hard to get used to p/k but if you just make up your mind to do it then get it over with quickly for the good of the prey item (so it never knows what hit it), you'll manage I think.

However, live feeding can be quite safe and acceptable. Many people feed live and have never had a "horror story" and are feeding snakes that are worth thousands of dollars in this manner.

Do what is best for your snake, what you feel confident in doing and what in the end produces the result you are going for....a happy, well fed snake that will take it's prey in whatever form on a consistent basis with a good feeding response. I feel that's all any of us can do really and should not have to justify the feeding manner we use if we do it correctly.

Best of luck with your lovely snake.


~~Jo~~