Dums have slow metabolism so feeding too often isn't good as they will become obese. I have a female that is a garbage can and would eat every day if given the chance. Like stated small snakes can be very defensive and will try to kill anything they perceive as a threat. As far as being inconsistent feeders i have heard this as well. i normally don't handle any new snakes until after they have fed 3 times with normal time spans between feedings. Handling too much can stress them out resulting in them not eating.