Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and appreciate all help given!

I currently have a bp who is terrified of food. I have had him for 3 months and he is young. He has always given me issues while eating and he did not eat for the first 3 weeks I had him (attempted once a week with f/t warmed with water and then blowdried to 90 degrees). He has absolutely no prey drive and will always shy away from food--Even if you are being gentle about it. I've found that the only way to get him to eat is to slowly thaw the rat in water, blowdry it, and leave it outside his hide overnight. He also takes hours to even eat it. I also feed him at night.

And before anyone asks the husbandry should be spot on (80 cool, 90 hot, 58% humidity with a humidity box and multiple hides in a tub). I also did not handle him until he had 3 successful meals. He is actually very calm with handling. I also do not handle the day before feeding (and 2 days after of course).

Regardless, I had to size up (fuzzy to weaned) because he has grown significantly. He shows even more fear when I show him the food, however! He balls up (or tries to flee if you put it closer from him) and starts hyperventilating immediately!! He seems to be very intimidated by the size! And rats in general. He will not eat the weaned rats that are left overnight.

I just want to get him to eat correctly sized meals, but don't know why he's so afraid of food! Please help!