It will be pretty normal for them to basically hide forever from the world for the first few days because they're pretty convinced everyone will eat them lol.
If he's been on mice for majority of his life then it's no surprise he didn't take the rat right away. Often it's difficult to transition so it may have to be a more gradual procedure. However it's recommended to feed them the prey they are used to for atleast the first three feedings before trying to switch prey. After he's eaten 3 meals you can try thawing both rat and mouse together to mix scents or rubbing mice bedding on the rat. Definitely DON'T remove his hide. That's like yanking his security blanket awayIf feeding f/t, for reference a living rat/mouse's body temp is around 98-100F so make sure it's hot enough to give an enticing heat signature, specifically around the face. The hair dryer trick/warming it with a CHE often works well after the feeder has been fully thawed in warm water.
You can actually leave the f/t feeder over night outside their hide, as long as it's not blocking the entrance. Just be sure to toss it out first thing in the morning if Monty hasn't eaten it.
If it's any comfort, my boy was a super shy eater at first and I'd leave to leave his feeder in the cage, cover his cage with a blanket then leave the room. Within 3-4 hours he'd eat it, then gradually he'd eat it within a shorter window of time. He was like this for about a mouth until I switched to rats and then he became a beast haha.
As for offering I'd hold off and wait a week or atleast 5 days. Offering food too soon could lead to more food refusals. Just let him settle and get comfy
Reply With Quote