Feeding Young Ball Python

Question
QUESTION: i have a young ball python (probably not yet two feet) and he eats live food without problems, but i cannot get him to eat f/t food which is much more convenient for me to get.  anyway, he is hungry and he won't eat it...he bit me while my hand was in the cage, i don't know what to do...i am not all that concerned about the bite, but i would like for him to eat the f/t food...i have tried swinging it in front of him and even cutting the mouse...i welcome any advice  thank you

ANSWER: Hi Martha,
  BPs are finicky eaters. I have 2 and they eat about once per month average. I have also had problems switching from live to F/T. I suggest that you just stick to it. Keep in mind that your little guy can go at least a month without being in danger. Once the next feeding cycle comes around, offer F/T and only F/T. Get some long tweezers or hemostats to feed him. This will help avoid bites. If he refuses to eat, offer again every 2 or 3 days up to a month. You can refreeze the mice a time or two. If you usually feed mice, try appropriately sized rats and see if that doesn't provoke a feeding response. The key is to keep trying until he takes it and not to give in. Only after 1 month would I give in and feed live. Snakes are quite primal and will starve themselves so you do have to give in after a month. BTW, it took me over 2 years to get my D'Albert's python to accept F/T. She once went 6 months without eating anything, live or FT. I finally got her to eat a FT quail and she has eaten good ever since. Hang in there!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you soooo much for understanding! i gave him two f/t mice  and put him in a brown lunch bag overnight and he ate only the white one? why? should i only get him white mice?  your advice is very much appreciated....thanks for taking time to help me

Answer
Martha,
    It is my pleasure, although it seems you figured out a good trigger that I didn't think of: confined space. I have heard of snakes that prefer one color over another, however I have never experienced it myself. I am a firm believer in not questioning success, so if he likes white, go with white. Don't be worried if he goes a week or two without eating. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Kevin