The tough love method definitely works. I have a 07 male that would only eat live mice and now he is a f/t monster. Its strange because his feeding response is alot better now that hes on f/t rats. The key is to not give up, atleast not so soon. If hes an 08 then he should be able to go a couple weeks without food. Also something you may try is a scenting. Prescent with the f/t mouse and then offer the rat.