Schlyne, go ahead and post away I don't mind!
Chief did finally eat, I think the problem was the rat wasn't warm enough. He also has to have his food moving before he shows any interest in it, so I would suggest moving it around with the tongs. That is probablly why he hit it when you put it in his cage it appeared to be moving to him. As for the substrate i just lay down some newspaper before I feed him to avoid him swallowing any.