My local pet stores charge more for FT. I can usually get better FT deals from people online anyways. Nothing wrong with live, but be sure to have a vet you can take a yearly fecal sample to. Live mice can transmit internal parasites like pinworms and tapeworms. treatment is pretty easy, but can be a bit of money. Do what is best for your snake. i figured out that some of mine will go crazy of FT, just as much as live, so i feed FT for them. The pickier eaters get live. Just easier for me to deal with for the most part! I dislike breeding rodents and my landlord won't let me, and I don't like going every week just to feed my snakes.