After ten minutes of wiggling the f/t, Buddy didn't go for it. He seemed pretty interested in it but didn't even strike. After ten more minutes of pretty much making the f/t run around the cage, I just plopped it on the hot side and plan to leave it overnight to see if he eats. *crosses fingers and prays* Is it necessary to wiggle f/t with tongs to trigger a feeding response? Or would just plopping it in the cage make him feel more secure and more likely to eat? Buddy's feeding schedule has been all over the place but so far it looks like he's going to miss two meals.
Overview
10/21-First meal since I got him was offered. Fed around 6pm. I wiggled it with tongs in front of his hide and he immediately struck and coiled but didn't actually swallow. He uncoiled after a while and just stared at it until midnight when he actually ate.
10/28-Offered at 6pm. Wiggled again but no feeding response. Seemed interested and got very close to it but didn't eat. Took out f/t around midnight. However, the next day his eyes turned dull blue so I figured he'd eat when he was done shedding.
10/28-11/3: Shedding period. Went very well and came off in one piece with no stuck shed or eyecaps
Today: 11/6. Offered at 3am. Wiggled but no response. Again, very interested but nothing so far. Leaving the f/t in cage overnight.
I've handled him a total of 4 times since I got him. 10/24, 10/26, 10/27, and 11/4 in 15 minute sessions. That's not overkill on the handling I hope but maybe he's stressed because of that? Maybe I should just leave him alone. But maybe the wiggling and having me loom over him while he wants to eat isn't helping either. What's the best way to go about this?