Ball python live feeding

[CALM Pythons]

well,
feeding didn't go well..
So I went to the store and got rat pup since they said he fed on rat pup live. I compared the size and it was about the same size as my snake's thickest body. eyes still closed and didn't walk well.
Anyways, I just put the rat in the tub and I was watching. Snake seemed interested and was flicking tongue and was moving towards the rat. And that was it. He went above the rat and rat was just sitting there. He kept moving around and kept checking the rat but did not eat at the end. Like you mentioned, rat went into hide with the snake so I took the rat out. I thought he would eat since he seemed interested but rather, he was freaking out when rat body touched his face. Nothing wrong with husbandry, but I did take him out once few days ago because I thought something was wrong with his mouth. Could that be a reason? Also, the shop fed him in the separate tub, could this be a reason too?
Well, he seems healthy but it was kind of disappointment when he did not eat it lol.

No its not because you took him out the other day and its not because they fed him in a separate tub.. Your husbandry is good so its because he isn't ready thats all. No big deal trust me. Did you close the tub once you put the Rat in? If not he wont eat most likely. They dont like being bothered or feeling exposed when they are going to eat because their vulnerable.
The rat wont make it long because its eyes are still closed.. You also didn't do as i said and wait until Night Time. I was trying to give you a perfect 1st feeding thats why I also told you a mouse. The mouse would've lasted a week at your house. Not a rat that needs to feed on its mother still.

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