It would be more stressful if you don't give her another hide... give it to her now, and she'll be happier.

Feeding live is not dangerous unless you are irresponsible about it.. in other words, don't leave a live rat unattended so that it gets really hungry and starts chewing on your snake. I feed my BP live all the time, and he's never been hurt. Just keep an eye on them and you'll be fine.