When I first got my girl there was a little mis communication between the guy I bought her from and myself. I picked up small mice instead of small rats. I knew right away they were to small so I was feeding her 2 in row. She wouldnt strike them off the tongs. She would how ever eat them if i left them in the tank over night. I recieved my order of small rats last week on feeding day. i always use tongs to handle the feeders, and as I was putting the rat down next to her she struck with gusto coiled it up and downed it. Im not sure if the size of the feeder had anything to do with it, but maybe try moving up a size.