I seem to have this problem a lot if the f/t rat isnt as warm as it should be. When the snake goes from attack mode to eat mode it loses interests because the prey is not warm enough so theyll drop the food item and move on. I'll just reach in with my tongs grab the rat hold it under a heat lamp until its nice and warm then offer it again seems like 9/10 times I can get them to strike again and eat no problem. Prey size also plays a big role if it's too big and the snake thinks it cant handle it itll drop it also. If it totally loses interest ill pass it on to a girl who wont say no