Congrats. Just got mine to eat his second feeding and I know how big a relief that is (now just waiting on first poop & shed). As for the gettin bit part, if you already have the tongs why not just use them to hold the rat till he strikes? Just hold the squealin lil bugger in front of your snake and instant headshots galore...just be be quick to release once he strikes. Workin great for me so far, and no worries.