Struck, missed, then lost interest in a mouse

[Redsandjunkie]

I was trying to feed Fidget today, and she didn't eat the mouse. As usual, I left the mouse out for an hour to defrost, warmed it with a blow dryer for around 3 minutes, placed Fidget in a plastic tub, and dangled the mouse about a centimeter or two away from her face with tongs for a little under an hour. This has worked the last few times that I've fed her. I know it's not because she's about to shed, because she shed a little under two weeks ago. She's only about seven months old so I'm assuming it's not because of breeding season (not sure about actual gender). She struck at the mouse one time, and missed, but then seemed to immediately lose interest afterwards, and just wandered around the tub. The first time I fed her, she struck and missed, but did not lose interest and got it the second time. Any ideas or suggestions on why she did not eat this time around, or how I can get her to eat it if this happens again?

[Eric Alan]

After a couple minutes, the mouse no longer looks like food to her. Even if it was hot enough to begin with (an hour of room temp defrosting may not be long enough), there's not a snowball's chance that it was hot enough even 5 minutes into your hour long dangling session, let alone the other 55 remaining minutes (who are you, Sting?).

[Velrys]

Just want to point out that snakes rely on anaerobic respiration. I know that sounds funny. But basically means that they will have a burst of energy then take time to recover. He may not be losing interest but instead just catching his breath.

[Daigga]

Sometimes they just don't want to eat and decide to show you that in funny ways. My littlest one will strike and constrict every time, but she's notorious for dropping her food. They'll eat when they want it, no worries if they don't. One missed meal is certainly nothing to write home about.

[CptJack]

After a couple minutes, the mouse no longer looks like food to her. Even if it was hot enough to begin with (an hour of room temp defrosting may not be long enough), there's not a snowball's chance that it was hot enough even 5 minutes into your hour long dangling session, let alone the other 55 remaining minutes (who are you, Sting?).

This. Once the animal has cooled off, most snakes aren't going to eat it. some will take cooler prey than others, but room temperature? Not bloody likely. If the animal doesn't feel warm to you, it's not warm enough for the snake.

[Redsandjunkie]

Thank you for the replies.