So the feeding attempts continue with my 1000 gram female. Last night tried for the third time in 3 weeks, I have only offered on feeding day. The last two time she struck at the rat a few times and then gave up. So I got another live rat, smaller this time and grey, just in case. Tried again last night with all the lights out this time. She must have struck at the rat about 15 times over a coarse of 25 minutes or so. Never once following through. Then when I went to close up the tank she was striking blindly. She looks like she may be starting a shed, but her eyes are still clear. The last two feedings she did the same thing but not near as often, and not striking blindly. Plus the fact she did not look like she was going to shed during the past two attempts. Very confused now!!

1. Any thoughts on this?
2. Is this defensive in some way?
3. Should I even attempt to handle her or wait until she decides to eat again?