Thanks for the advice. Tried again last night and he went for it, he acted strangely though and came right up to the top of enclosure in the S position which he has never done, even though the food was below him.
had to wiggle it really fast before he cottened on to it.(unlike the 8 month corn im babysitting as well,anything remotely rodent and its gone, hes a pig!) BP has not shed while i have had him. no sign of milky eyes. Yes the Bp's are quite moody from my limited experience....fun and games to follow i think!!!!

cheers scott