feeding a ball python

Question
I was told that feeding my snake, a ball python, live rodents would cause him to become mean or aggravated. Is there any truth to that? Also if I feed him a gerbil will he eat a mouse the next time he eats.?

Answer
I feed all my animals live.  Some are tame and stay that way.  Some are agressive and stay that way.  I don't believe feeding live food makes a bit of difference.  Feeding them in the cage they live might though.  It's probably a good idea for the everyday snake owner to get into the habit of feeding in a container other than the one the snakes lives in. That way the snake never confuses something coming into it's home (like your hand) with food.