That breakthrough moment is always a milestone in keeping coachwhips and racers. My hatchlings are still eating anoles although a few have sampled pink mice. I get hopeful when that happens but then they switch back to anoles. This is a frustrating time but at least they are eating voluntarily, so I can hope it's only a matter of time before they move to mice for good.

On the other end of the scale, my adult males eat defrosted rats. They are big snakes.

Keep up the good work and yes, maybe some day you and they will be buddies. At least you can expect them to become attached to you at some point.