What I personally do in that situation is I offer once with each new snake. If the snake eats, I continue to offer while in shed. If the snake refuses, I never offer again while they're in shed. Of my snakes only my King eats while in shed. All the others are fed the day after they shed.
Since your snake is an adult, it definitely won't be an issue if he doesn't eat for another week.
As for the opening of his mouth, he was likely just yawning.
Oh yeah, and most males never need anything larger than a small rat. Since he's an adult, he'll be fine on a small rat every 7-10 days or so.
Reply With Quote