he weighs 1270, so it probably was too big. I sit right in front of the tote with a huge pair of tongs to grab the rat if it gets agressive. I always sit to watch until he fully swallows it. I usually then leave him there for a couple hrs until I put him back. If that was the case I am sure the experience was pretty stressful so I think I will avoid handling him for the next week and let him settle, then I will get him a rat that was the same size as the first one. If he takes it then problem solved, if not I can go from there. Than you for your input.