Where i am from it is cheaper to buy a small rat for $1.50 and kill it myself then to buy F/T in bulk. But I use the tongs and grab the (DEAD) rat by the tail and make it dance around a little and Jojo goes for it without hesitating it was hard at first but now he knows that a rat hovering upside down in the air is food. It take a little practice but lots of times the will not strike if the rodent doesnt move. When Jojo strikes at it and coils it up i tug on the tail a little to simulate live prey he tightens up then finishes the job.