I was talking to a guy at a show who said they will starve themselves if they don't want to take rats.

This is the stupidest thing ever though, because these animals cannot afford to be so picky in the wild.

Two more questions though:

1) Should I scent the rats with mice? I mean, he doesn't seem interested in the rats whatsoever.
2) When should I try a live small rat?

Thanks David.