Can you feed your snake live food?

I'm getting a California Kingsnake in a couple of days. I've heard that feeding your snake live food will most likely get you snake injured or give it parasites. On the contrary, I had a Ball Python when I was little and we fed it nothing but live mice for 3 years and nothing ever happened. Also, my mom REALLY doesn't want dead pinkies around. By the way, does anybody know what would make a suitable seperate feeding container for a California King? Thank you!