In regards to feeding, I always present it at the farthest point the space allows. With the live I put it in the bathtub on the opposite side and held it's tail while it moved. When Zeek got close I let go. With frozen I "dance" it around the enclosure like it's exploring.

Substrate is aspen but the rat blood was mostly on fixtures in the tank. All day Zeek has been huddled around the water bowl with his head on top of the biggest bloody spot. I used the open palm method to remove the rock slab, that had most of the blood on it, and his log hide which he can't fit in at all, to allow easier access to the heat. He has remained in the same position all day which is around his water bowl and head where the first of three rats was taken.

My main concern is cleaning his water bowl but he hasn't left it all day. I tapped him on the head a little while ago, so I don't know if that had any impact.

Fearing he has chosen security over temperature, I upped the ambient temps to promote digestion. I will not handle him for a few days as I feel the first day was not successful for digestion.



I am posting as detailed information as possible so hopefully experienced people will tell me I am doing something wrong before I start bad habits.