I only mentioned pinkys because of what the op mentioned. I have always raised my own rodents so I just usually grab whatever is available that whatever I am feeding is able to fit in it's mouth. It used to be one of 3 species (mice rats or soft furred rats) but I've dropped normal mice from the roster lately. If I end up with abandoned rabbit pups I'll throw them at the bigger monitors as well ( assuming the dogs don't scarf them from me first lol.). I have one big water that will go for bugs and sometimes I will throw some left over crickets at him for mild amusement. Pretty much like you said though I have trouble getting babies to take bugs (not for lack of trying here as well.). Some like them some hate them so I just don't bother. Kind of a pricey meal anyway given how much crickets run these days.