feeding my ball python

Question
Hi,
I have an adult ball python that has a weird feeding habit. I will explain everything in order, hopefully it helps.
I feed him live mice, he won't eat frozen (mainly because he has this problem) and because I think they are discusting. Its always a bloodbath.. I feed him mice because I am a rat lover and don't want him getting badly bitten (he usually bites the rear end...) I feed him at night once he begins exploring his enclosure so that he is as awake as can be. (Not in his tank)
His problem is that when he does bite the rear end, which is probably... 2 out of 4 mice, he tries to find the head and after a couple attempts he starts moving away, goes back, and its almost as if he's snuggling with it.. when he moves away again we use long tongs to grab the tail and try to get him to re-catch it. He then moves towards it like he wants it, but starts trying to gently rap his head around it... when we do let it go he rubs his face all over it and let's it go. He does this over and over and after awhile becomes completely uninterested. We then take it out, give it to my other ball python and give him another one. My other younger ball python sometimes grabs the rear end and can't find it, but re-catches it fine and eats it. This is mainly what makes me think somethings up...

Is this a sign of old age? A weird mouse cuddling fetish? Lol or should I try to get over my feelings and try a small rat? I have tried a medium rat that was a little smaller than the largest part of his body, but it was like he didn't know what to do with it. My other pythons not big enough to eat a small rat so if he kills it and doesn't eat it, I've killed an animal for no reason and I'm out 5 bucks.  

Thanks, I hope I explained everything in the best detail possible, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Answer
Diana,
  This is a very odd problem. I would first commend you for all the info and all you have tried. I would try a large rat, but also consider maybe a hamster to stimulate his feeding. I have a python that I thought was going to die; would not touch rats or mice. Tried 1 hamster and he has been eating rodents ever since. I am fascinated with your problem, let me know if my solution works.