I still think the best way is to use Hill's A/D for the first weeks until they have grown a little bit and are really prepared to ''handle'' pinky mice. I think they should have shed twice at least before they'll really be ok for baby mice.
Even if they accept mice from the beginning, it's not good to feed them with pinkies - it's too much of stress and they often get digestive problems and die very soon within the first 4-8 weeks. At least from my experience.
It's the safest method, and very stress-free for the little babies....I am very sure Phobos wouldn't have lost so many Babies if he would have used this method for the first and most important weeks of their ''Baby-life''. I can't proof it of course, but I am very sure about it.
I'am very very sorry for your lost Al, it's always a tragedy - but especially then when we work with such wunderfull and rare little snakes like Dwarf Adders - I feel with you Al
Just my two cents
Marco