I have fed mine both ways. I have a corn that I have eat outside sometimes. Everyone else gets fed inside the box they live in. However I may have to make a change with my Dumbrils boa, she is realy bad about not wanting to eat. F/T, live it does not matter, she will strike, and not bite, no wrap. except on very rare occations. may try moving her to a dark box to feed and see if she will do diferent that way