my rule is that i dont handle a snake till it eats for me and i only try to feed once a week. if you are haveing trouble feeding f/t drop a live mouse in there then go watch a move leave the room turn the lights off. do this about 10 at night. come back and look if he has ate yet for you. if not just take the mouse out and try in 1 week. this can go on for about 3 months before you need to start to worry.