I have him on a coconut fibre substrate. The humidity is about 60%. The pinkie rats I did try were live because thats what the breeder said he uses. I also forgot to mention that I put a background on the sides and back of tank for extra security. Maybe I should try a hopper mouse. How do I cut down the stress? I did everything I could think of!
Try fuzzie rats sometimes they need a bit of hair on them. To de-stress, don't handle your snake AT all for 5 days... then offer food.
The part about him wanting to escape all the time to me suggest you have been handling him. If so, stop. Do not handle him at all until he eats.
It actually suggests to me that he is overwhelmed by such a large enclosure, as he was likely housed in a six quart tub at the breeder's.
I would suggest that you move him to a smaller tub until he is eating consistently for you - then if you must use a tank, a 10 gallon for now. A 20 gallon is much too large for a wee baby - and he's telling you so by his behavior and refusal to feed.
It actually suggests to me that he is overwhelmed by such a large enclosure, as he was likely housed in a six quart tub at the breeder's.
I would suggest that you move him to a smaller tub until he is eating consistently for you - then if you must use a tank, a 10 gallon for now. A 20 gallon is much too large for a wee baby - and he's telling you so by his behavior and refusal to feed.