I've only had my male for about two weeks, but for me he ate the very first night I had him, great response and I was actually shocked. Last night, he struck about 4 times before he decided to hold it in his mouth, and he didn't even coil. He just layed it on his "lap" and continued to hiss at me. I finally just put his hide over him since I sure as hell wasn't reaching to grab the mouse from him, I checked about 30 mins later and he apparently ate it. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen, I hope this isn't the start of a picky eater! lol