off food?

[Salamander Rising]

I have two "breedable" males right now that are off feed. I'd say just offer every 7-10 days as normal and when he's hungry he'll take it. It may be seasonal like it seems to be with mine, not sure how they know what time of year it is but they do. I only have one male that's taking food consistently still

The "male" I got at a show [everyone who's checked says it's a female] who supposedly ate F/T but won't was sent to the local herp pro to be 'taught to eat F/T'.

It didn't work.

The snake knows the difference and reuses F/T regardless of what sort of clever tricks are used and the pro was surprised because he's never not been able to switch a snake.

So I brought him/her home and now it won't even eat live.

I am doing what another BP member suggested by not handling, keeping secluded in small, comforting enclosure, etc but I'm becoming extremely worried.

My formerly friendly and outgoing snake is now jittery and nervous, won't eat, even though he/she acts interested and has to be hungry by now, since it's been at least 3 weeks since it ate.

I'm at a loss.

Can snakes develop a "food phobia" or something?

It watches the mouse run around but as soon as the mouse gets near it, it ducks back into its hide and won't come out.
The mouse actually went to sleep in the hide with the snake.

Previously, the snake would've nailed it instantly but not now.

I love the snake dearly but it's been one problem after another, starting with the gross misrepresentation of its feeding habits to seal the sale.

[the gender confusion issue is just more to be annoyed about]

I don't know what to do for him/her and I'm terrified it will never eat again.

I'm going to try smaller prey, perhaps even little non-threatening hoppers to build its confidence back up and stimulate its feeding response.

I don't know what else to do.