Defensive strike, or just blind?

[sw204me]

So today is feeding day for my male max, he has never refused a meal except when hes in shed. But this time is different, he keeps looking around for the rat, finds it, then curls up when he touches it. He has snapped a couple of times, but never hit the thing, which is just weird in general, he usually never misses. I even put him in my feeding box and he still wont eat. He strikes every now and then, but not like he really wants it, I thought balls just curled up in defense? Looks like I am gonna have to store another rat and try again tomorrow...sound at all weird to anyone?

And one more note, the rat like exploded its a$$ all over the side of the tub, I have never smelled anything so foul in my life, it made me gag, could this be why Max is avoiding it? It smells worse then a newborns diaper...

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Does not sound weird refusal do happen from time to time even with an animal that has never missed a meal before.

Looks like I am gonna have to store another rat and try again tomorrow...sound at all weird to anyone?

I would suggest you to wait at least a week before offering again, if you offer too soon after a refusal this will only contribute into stressing you BP more leading to more refusal.

[kc261]

And one more note, the rat like exploded its a$$ all over the side of the tub, I have never smelled anything so foul in my life, it made me gag, could this be why Max is avoiding it? It smells worse then a newborns diaper...

I have no idea if this could have anything to do with the refusal, but it doesn't sound like a healthy rat. The recommendation seems to be that when you get a refusal, wait a week and try again instead of trying the next day. Use this week to observe the rat and if it isn't healthy, I wouldn't give it to your snake.