Feeding related question/story....

So I did have a pretty successful feeding last night. I got my spider to take a rat pup instead of a mouse! :D He didn't even hesitate, so no fancy foot work needed there. :D
The question I have is relationed to what my spotnoses did. It was their first feeding with me and I offered them f/t mice. Both of them struck at it when I offered but made no move to grab it. It was almost like a defensive strike, but they had no problem with me when I reached in to the feeding box to move them back to their tubs. I decided to place the mice in their tubs with them because I really wanted them to eat and thought if I wasn't standing near by and if it was really dark they would eat it. I checked on them this morning and the mice were gone, so success!, but what was up with their striking? It seemed really defensive but they've never made a move to strike at me so I'm confused.

Were they white mice? My female pastel was afraid of white mice at first and did something similar. I do not use feeding tubs though. Perhaps the breeder had a colored colony. Maybe try a colored one next time?

It was their first feeding with you. It's possible that they have always been fed in their enclosures, and when you moved them to a different tub, it was a new experience and they reacted defensively. Just make sure that you always follow the same routine and they should get the hang of it after a few tries.