I only have experience with one gopher, so that this for what it's worth.

Mine was a very shy eater, and would often fast for weeks at a time. Much like a ball python. He'd eat consistently solidly for months and put on some good growth, then just quit eating for 2-3 months. I'd reduce feeding attempts to every two weeks during those times.

The only way he'd eat consistently is for the thawed prey to be placed in his enclosure, the enclosure then covered with a towel or blanket...and he left completely alone for a day. He would hunt live mice, too...but with his inconsistent schedule, I didn't like the chance of having to fish out a live mouse and figure out what to do with it, so we switched to f/t.

If he's five feet long, you really don't need to worry too much about him. He'll eat when he's ready. Don't offer prey more than once a week. That just adds to the stress. And then when you do offer it, keep out of his line of sight as much as possible...get it in there...and then get out of the way so he can be alone with it. Most likely when you check back the next day, the rodent will be gone.