You say you put the prey in hot water, then let it sit and pat dry. maybe the mouse is too cool by the time you give it to him. try warming the prey to 105 degrees in a plastic bag, then offer it. It will cool off a bit during transfur but if just a short distance it should still be a degree or 2 of the prefurred temp of 100 degrees. Also try using tongs and dance the mouse around a little to tease a strike. This is what i do and it seems to work.