Grr... stupid pet stores with their "We will hire people who know absolutely nothing about animals so they can't rebel" attitudes... I've seen more beautiful animals ruined by pet store 'advice'...

Ok, that's my rant. But I just wanted to say that, even though pinky mice are totally wrong for any healthy BP... they can be a lifesaver for an injured, malnourished little one. If your rescue really is around 8 months old, and that small/underfed, then I would say to offer a live hopper and see where that goes.

Lotsa luck with that one, and Kudos to you for taking him in!