Just wanted to give an update - She just took her first meal with me! I'm so happy. I think the new hides and extra time to get used to her space have helped a lot, and now I am extra confident when these better hides arrive at the end of the week she'll be in good shape for future feedings. I went with just a size smaller than what I imagine the breeder was going with, and it went smoothly without any injuries and undue suffering on the mouses part. So I feel very good about this one. Especially since the new proportional thermostat seems to be doing a much better job than the on/off one I was using so we should be in good shape going forward for now.
Now just a couple more and I'll begin making the switch over to F/T.
Thanks again for all the advice and encouragement. I am feeling waaaay better going forward.