Jackel...yes, I agree with you on both counts. 1. It was a combination of it being f/t while he was getting live that threw him. But then, when I put asf fur on the dead rat, he took it?! I think the zombie rat dance plus the intoxicating asf smell fooled him.

2.Yes, the string was dangerous. I won't do it again, I will go out and buy another set of tongs. I should say though, that my hand being in there distracted him. I was wearing a glove and it was pretty thick so I don't think it was the heat signature that distracted him. I don't know, maybe it was the movement?

Regardless of it all, I am just happy that he ate. He looks like he may have lost a little weight so I am always happy when he does eat. I am not going to powerfeed him but I am going to try to keep him on schedule and offer slightly bigger food items.