I recently got my first snake a royal python. He is 3 months old and has a relatively good feeding history in the past. He has eaten 80% of the times it has been offered. The times he didn't eat was when the food size increased and he refused. This is what I was told by the man at the shop. He is in an appropriate sized RUB. I read up a lot on royal keeping before buying. He has a hot and cool side each with a hide. Humidity is at 70% as I believe he is about to shed as his skin has dulled and his eyes are clouded. Temperature is 32 celsius in hot side using UTH controlled by a thermostat. Cool side is 23 celsius which i know is a bit cool but it's cold here so struggle to raise the ambient temperature. I've left him largely alone since arriving so he can settle, he's been here a 5 days. He only once has been disturbed to go get him sexed.

He was due to feed today and has always strike fed since his second feed according to his records. I researched tips and how to do this. I thawed a small mouse (what he has been fed as he refuses large mice) warmed it to body temperature using a hair dryer and held it using tongs. I held it in front of his hide where he was. He seemed really interested. He came and got really close with tongue flickering. But he never went for it.

A few questions. How long should I hold the mouse there for as I don't know if I maybe gave up to soon?

How much space does he need to do this as his RUB gives minimum space with both hides, there is little floor space. I thought maybe he is too crowded?

My suspicions are he's adjusting to his new surroundings and possibly preparing to shed (not 100% as I'm new to snakes and I may not be correct about skin dulling and eyes etc) but I can't help but think I maybe did something wrong or did something I shouldnt do as I am new to it all.

I have left the mouse in front of his hide and will see if it is gone by morning but don't like the idea of drop feeding as it just gives more time for bacteria to develop in the mouse... plus it doesn't look as awesome.

Anything anyone can think of, suggestions. ... advice? Thanks
Nick