hello guys!

As I mentioned on my "Introduce Yourself" thread, I want to buy a snake, and came down to the conclusion that I want a BP. Besides, BPs and Garter Snakes are the only legal Snakes in Puerto Rico .

So, here are my newbie questions:
1- I know their diets consist of mice, but can I give fish to a BP, for the fun of it?
2- Advantages of females over males (besides the fact that females can have hatchlings)?
3- is there a way to keep them thinner than most BPs, who happen to be fat, (at least to my eyes)? This is the only thing i dont love about BPs. Or is there a way to know how 'fat' it will be?
4- Is there a way to know if my snake will be shy, or not shy once I pick it up the first time?
5- Are they deaf to sounds? I play guitar, and usually at loud volumes (Tube Amplifiers ) would it be safe to have her/him near the amps while I play?
6- what would an appropriate handling time for a BP?
7- is Petsmart a trusty place to buy BallPythons? One of the Local Petsmarts has a BP that made me fall in love with her, she's way darker than most regulars, with more black on her than any BP i have ever seen. for $90... I really don't care if i'm overpaying, as long as Petsmart has decent breeding reputation... I want her


I think that's all for now... Thanks