First handling...

Pinkies? Wow! I'll have to agree that those are far too small for a ball python. Mine will be 2 years old in August and is eating one decently sized adult mouse. He can take on very large mice. I thought for sure his last meal was way too big when I saw it next to him (i feed frozen/thawed, so as it was laying next to him in the feed bin, i got a real good look), but he proved me wrong. He ate it with no problems and is already seeking another meal 5 days later.

And as far as a snake seeming tolerant of long handling sessions, I suppose they could seem like they're tolerating it alright, but you can't really know what they're thinking. I know mine likes to chill out on my legs before feeding, because he just lays there and moves his head about to check out any sights he's interested in. Then again, I never have people around when I handle him, unless my sister, mother or boyfriend are around. Everyone knows proper handling techniques so there has never been an accidental dropping. I've explained snake posture and when Nagash pulls his head back in an "S," THEY startled HIM and should not loosen their grip and let him fall, rather slowly move their hand to under his chin and give him a gentle rub. He loves it and will calm down very quickly. If someone new comes around and wishes to handle him, I explain everything and make them SIT on the couch sideways, so if they should get nervous and feel the need to let go, he will simply end up on the couch and I'll swoop him up to safety. I can't say he's ever met one person that has felt compelled to drop him, however. :)

I guess I was kinda scared and thought he couldn't eat such a big meal. He is stretchin like crazy when he eats a pinky.

Now I feel silly. Knowin what to really feed him.

So just feed him 1 nice hopper mouse every 5 days?

I feed my snakes once every 7 days. I just got another ball python from my breeder, and this is how his feedings are for each month :

1st week of the month's feeding: 1 hopper mouse
2nd week of the month's feeding: 1 hopper mouse
3rd week of the month's feeding: 2 hopper mice
4th week of the month's feeding: 1 hopper mouse

This is how he has been fed since birth. He is 10 months old. My breeder said that feeding 2 on the third feeding is just to "bulk him up." By the size of this snake, and the tiny size of his head, hoppers are the perfect size for now.

My older ball only gets one adult mouse a week, because he will not eat multiples. I tried once, and I gave him one small hopper to start with. He wouldn't take the second, no matter how hard I pleaded. So a few days later, I disturbed him to give him a bigger one, and the next feeding, I put him right back on adult mice.

These are simply my experiences, and what I have learned. Everyone's snake is different, no matter how similar they may seem. Listening to suggestions, reading up on these types of things, and talking to other educated people will help you find your own path and feeding/handling schedule. :) Good luck with everything!

Edit: You said your snake stretches like crazy when you feed him a pinky. Do you mean girth-wise? If he seems to get very "fat" from eating a pinky, you should pick a hopper that is not massive, just to get him started. Perhaps you can bump him up to fuzzies next feeding? Feed him 1 fuzzy per feeding for 3 or 4 feedings, then move him up to a smallish hopper for another 2 or 3 feedings, then get a hopper that is a decent size and feed on that until he gets bigger. Just a thought.

Handling is great, he will actually coil around my arm now. Something he didn't do the first few handlings.

Also the feed upgade...

So I found 2 rat hoppers (if u can call the rat ones hopper too?). I was a little nervous. Pinkys are weak and helpless, these rats were quick and were nippin on the tongs I use.

So today is feeding day. I dangled one in front of my BP (haha, still no name, butterbean, capurnicus, snakey?) He struck hard and only with like a 5 second dangle. He actually took it off my tongs, that is a first for me!

The buldge alctually looked bigger but no difference in eating activity.

I am glad you people told me I was underfeeding my snake. He does look skinny compared to the pics all over this site, he doesn't really have the husky (not fat) look. Although I'm sure now I can expect him to get nice and thick, and grow better. Good thing he has only eaten the 2 pinky combo 5 times. Have only had him 2 months.

THANKS!!!