as for feeding... according to http://www.frozenfeeder.com/sizing.html 3 large mice are still within the weight of one small rat. I didn't get the exact weights, but they were not BIG adult mice. like sausage said, i was kind of surprised when i first saw how little adult mice actually are.

and I know that 'additional' lighting is not necessary, but like i said in my first post, i've been having problems with the UTHs, and no one here sells a different brand. so radiant heat it is, even though its not 'best' it still provides the required temperatures...

and yes, it is a wide 50gal, so i do need the 'additional' heat sources to keep an even gradient. but I have consistently appropriate temperatures, day and night, and constant 50-55% humidity, and 60-65% during shed (a little high, but the only way he'll have a good shed).

He's a healthy and hungry snake! what can i say... not stressed or shy in his big enclosure either.. he loves it!

anywhere to buy mice in bulk?

2-3 per feeding can get expensive vs. one rat. And i plan on keeping him on mice since he's got a much better feeding reflex with those.