My female does the same thing now that she's more or less a full grown adult. I'm guessing she's hormonal. When we got her about 2 years ago (she was about a year old then), she was a monster feeder. Then about 1 year ago, she suddenly became finicky. Now half the time I offer her a meal, she acts curious then seems afraid of it and won't eat. Doesn't matter if I'm offering live or f/t.

So it sounds like what's happening with your guy is normal. Being a male, he's nearly full grown. I'd agree with Mike, lol, and say it's probably hormonal. But being normal doesn't mean it isn't frustrating....