So this is an update on my new Spider Ball, and I have some more questions regarding feeding. She is 1000 grams approx. I got her on October 11th, all conditions have be good over the past few weeks. Tried feeding her last Thursday (a large rat F/T)) and she turned it down but was interested. Over the weekend she had pooped, and appeared very hungry after that point. So I decided to try again last night with a small rat this time (F/T), as this was the size the breeder was feeding her. She took it within about 10 seconds, coiled around it for a minute or so, and proceeded to start swallowing, and got up to the neck of the rat. She then pulled back, as I noticed that some cypress bark was stuck to it, and spit some bark out, as the rat was wet from being thawed. She tried to position her self a few times to swallow it again and gave up, and went back to her hide, but came out shortly after and was smelling around where the rat was. So a few questions, as I'm a little disappointed with myself.

1. How soon should I try again, as I know she is hungry now, and will take it.
2. What is the best way to ensure a dry rat?
3. Should I put something down over the substrate, as she is new and I don't want to move her to another feeding container her and stress her?