I know that alot of people out there have had alot of sucess on feeding b.p. f/t. However I have tried w/ine a few times anno luck! They (mine) loves using the heat sesors and loves to stalk. So yes IMO also I would def. try to feed live. Just watch close espeacily if this is first live feeding that he does not get bit. You should also start w/ something a little smaller to again decrese the chance of the mouse/ Rat getting him/her. My B.p. eats 1 large rat every Sunday and I NEVER leave him alone "just incase" something happens. I also always sent the room( alothugh my husky wants that rat worse than the snake.lol). Hope some/any of this helps. And good luck!Ray