I have to disagree with only a few points. A snakes instinct to strike and coil is an instinct from birth. A snake raised on FT still knows how to strike and coil FT prey, although they may be a little awkward when they strike, they instinctively know what they are doing.

To the OP
In my experience, the snakes raised on FT are more excited and alert when given a live animal. They are usually the ones that will nearly take my head off, and squeeze the crap out of the rat. Mine have always overcompensated when introduced to a live animal, and as they get used to it, tend to relax more with experience and gain confidence in regards to energy expenditure to kill the rat.

It's not a use it or lose it talent in my humble opinion. I do heartedly disagree with stunning, but I have been down that path of debate, so let us keep on topic. I hope some of my experience is useful to the OP.

Just my .02 cents