I just thought of one more thing you could try on the Friday attempt. "Slap feeding." You hold the snake in your left hand, with about 2" of neck and head free. You don't want him flailing about, but you don't want him completely restrained, either. Then, just hold out your hot pink. He might take it. If not, try poking him with it, tapping him gently, near his head or along his side, but not right in the face. Also, try holding it right up to his nose, following him if he turns his head away. If it doesn't work within a minute or two, give up and move on to the deli cup attempt. You want to annoy him enough that he strikes at the offending mouse. If he does, FREEZE!! Don't even breathe! Let him start swallowing. Once he gets going, it's safe to rest your arm on the counter or something, but don't try to set him down.