I have 42 Ball Pythons and ALL of them get fed in their own enclosure. I've only been bitten once, maybe twice, by a snake in feed-mode and it was my fault(reaching for a mouse). Been feeding in the enclosure since 2004.

First, you pre-scent for 20-30 minutes by putting the prey item(s) into a separate, secure container(ventilated please) next to the snake's cage. After you see the snake "lurking" from his hide, get the prey item.

You introduce a calm, live prey INTO the enclosure, by gently grabbing it by the base of the tail and placing it into the enclosure on the opposite side that the snake is on. Close the enclosure lid and give the snake 10-15 minutes. If the snake isn't interested, remove prey item and try again next week.

Also, do not mess with the snake's enclosure. They can hunt very easily from their hides. They are ambush predators for a reason