Feeding troubles

So today is supposed to be my first day of feeding based on the record that came with my new boy. When I dangle the rat pup, he checks it out a little bit, and strikes but recoils really quickly (without the rat) and balls up like he's afraid rather than constricting.
Am I doing something wrong?

I thawed the rat/warmed it up, I'm using tongs, my thermometers tell me the temps/humidity in the cage are okay, breeder said he's been eating f/t pups, and the record shows him eating pretty regularly every 8-10 days (which lands today).

Sounds like he might still be scared. Give him more time and make sure the hides and enclosure are nice and tight and secure. What you saw sounds more like a defensive bite than a feeding response. Give a little more time (5 days+) and try again.

How are you heating the rat? Did you wiggle it in his face or just hold it there? Did you disturb him before offering?

I heated it in warm water, but put the rat in a plastic bag so it wouldn't get wet...I didn't touch anything in his tank before I gave it to him, but I wiggled it in front of the opening of the hide he was in. I was wondering if he was maybe just not used to a new location yet, I got him tuesday and haven't gone into the tank for anything except to change the water since then (I read I was supposed to leave him alone for a week or so), but the record looked like I should feed him today so I figured I"d try it out. I'll leave him be for a bit longer and try again :)

Thanks!

Can I refreeze the rat or should I trash it?

I used to trash them if they didn't take it. If you don't wanna waste it, you can heat it back up, and leave it in the enclosure for a few hours and see if he takes it. After that toss it if he doesn't eat it :)

Actually ended up leaving it in the cage for a couple of hours while I went to do my laundry, and when I got back he was mid-meal.
Guess he just needed some privacy. :)

I have some adult balls that prefer the prey to be left on the floor of the cage and they do their thing. I always feed them last and then leave the room for the night. When using f/t do not re-freeze them, toss them if they are not eaten. Congrats though always makes you feel better when your snakes eat!