Kontron, I really don't think your ritual makes a difference. They are instinct eaters regardless. Our male hasn't eaten since we got him and we've tried everything. Sophie on the other hand only refused once and she was in shed, so that's typical. I don't even have to do anything to get her to feed, I just put the mouse in her house and w/in a couple minutes she strikes....so, it's my opinion that 'making him hunt' his food really doesn't do much of anything...have you tried feeding him w/out doing those things? If so, did he eat for you?