Feeding troubles

[AnimaculeCracker]

So today is supposed to be my first day of feeding based on the record that came with my new boy. When I dangle the rat pup, he checks it out a little bit, and strikes but recoils really quickly (without the rat) and balls up like he's afraid rather than constricting.
Am I doing something wrong?

I thawed the rat/warmed it up, I'm using tongs, my thermometers tell me the temps/humidity in the cage are okay, breeder said he's been eating f/t pups, and the record shows him eating pretty regularly every 8-10 days (which lands today).

[MrLang]

Sounds like he might still be scared. Give him more time and make sure the hides and enclosure are nice and tight and secure. What you saw sounds more like a defensive bite than a feeding response. Give a little more time (5 days+) and try again.

How are you heating the rat? Did you wiggle it in his face or just hold it there? Did you disturb him before offering?

[AnimaculeCracker]

I heated it in warm water, but put the rat in a plastic bag so it wouldn't get wet...I didn't touch anything in his tank before I gave it to him, but I wiggled it in front of the opening of the hide he was in. I was wondering if he was maybe just not used to a new location yet, I got him tuesday and haven't gone into the tank for anything except to change the water since then (I read I was supposed to leave him alone for a week or so), but the record looked like I should feed him today so I figured I"d try it out. I'll leave him be for a bit longer and try again

Thanks!

[AnimaculeCracker]

Can I refreeze the rat or should I trash it?

[Griffith]

I used to trash them if they didn't take it. If you don't wanna waste it, you can heat it back up, and leave it in the enclosure for a few hours and see if he takes it. After that toss it if he doesn't eat it

[AnimaculeCracker]

Actually ended up leaving it in the cage for a couple of hours while I went to do my laundry, and when I got back he was mid-meal.
Guess he just needed some privacy.

[medusasmorphs]

I have some adult balls that prefer the prey to be left on the floor of the cage and they do their thing. I always feed them last and then leave the room for the night. When using f/t do not re-freeze them, toss them if they are not eaten. Congrats though always makes you feel better when your snakes eat!