Live feeding always post the risk of bites. Never leave snakes unattended when feeding live. I currently own close to 50 balls and all eat live rats. I stay with them the whole time and monitor things closely. If one gets a bad catch and the rat gets a bite in I can get him off quickly without interupting the snake. It takes time and practice to feed live responsibly. With one snake it would be no problem. Another option would be a good thump to the head of the mouse or rat just before putting it in the enclosure. This will stun the rat and allow the snake to do his thing before the rat comes back to his sences. The rat will still have enough movement while stunned to get the snakes attention for the kill.