update on this, I went and fed a full pinky to him and he took forever to eat it but got it all down. took the f/t too (I wasn't sure he was going to because prev owners fed live and said he wouldnt eat f/t). I might cut the next one up a little because it took him like 45 minutes to get it down and my other snakes it takes max 15 minutes to swallow their food. Could also go find those petsmart ones that are apparently smaller and save these for when he grows a little. I didnt try the cup but that is a good suggestion for when it is being stubborn. Thanks guys!