Hatchling striking towards pinky, then just hovering over it

[Crawdad]

I tried to feed my ball python today, with a pinky. About 2 seconds after I put the pinky at the base of the hide the snake was in, the snake struck towards it (but did not bite it), lightning fast.

Unfortunately, it didn't eat it. It sat, hovering over the pinky, flicking its tongue like crazy. 30 minutes later, the snake is still hovering over the pinky, which is sort of crawling into the hide at this point .

What's going on? I kind of think the pinky might be too small, although that's what the previous owner had been feeding. I should have also probably tried during the night, although the scent and movement of the mouse obviously got the attention of the snake, haha.

Temps are 92f hot side, 76 warm side, with 75% humidity.

Edit: Well, he wrapped around it and took it into his hide. Sorry for the useless post everyone, my wife and I are nervous parents . I don't know if he's eating it or not, but I think he was just waiting for us to leave him alone