OP after I have heated the rat I put the tongs on the hind legs (I did try it on the tail once and I ended up holding a tail with not rat attached!) I then slowly "bounce" and wiggle the rat in front of the BP so the head is at the same level as the snakes head. If they are showing interest but not striking immediately I move the rat around slightly by around an inch per side until they strike. I then let go and leave well alone, I haven't yet seen any of my BP's actually eat!