How to stop flinching when feeding?

[arpowell]

I wish I knew how to stop flinching! I still do it even after 20+ years

Haha, thanks! It's great to know I'm not the only one.

Thanks for your advice so far! I'm going to try stabilizing my arm better - I don't drop the tongs, fortunately, but I do jump enough I let go of the mouse. I'll also see if looking away helps, those are both really helpful tips. I'm warming the mouse up under her heat lamp after I thaw it, so I think it's getting hot enough for her to be able to target it. I'm using the longest tongs I could find (about a foot long), so hopefully the additional stability will help.

I'll google some techniques I could try to help me get past the reflex, too. I've always known I jump easily, but I didn't think it would be such an issue. I think part of it might be the anticipation - my girl takes a good 30 seconds to strike, so as I get more used to her, that might help with that part of it.

I'll follow your advice and wait a week if she doesn't take the mouse tonight. I'll keep you all posted!