New Female - Got Some Questions

[mattchibi]

So, I've thoroughly gone through the care sheet and all the stickies. Still got some questions though.

heres some pics/vids of her: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Old-Female-BP

Background info: Picked up Morticia from a friend on Sunday morning, she is almost 3.5 feet and only 3 years old. I have not yet taken her out and handled her since putting her in her terrarium, nor have I tried to feed her.

My setup:
Pretty much followed jfreel's glass tank tutorial, except at the moment, my UTH pad (got a zoomed) and my Herpstat have not come in the mail yet, so I am still unfortunately using a heat lamp. Fortunately, I went to buy the infrared bulb so that at least my temps can be moderated at night, as well as during the day time.

20 Gal Glass Terrarium
Heat Lamp + Infrared 50 W Bulb (also have a 60 if needed)
Two Identical Hides
Water Bowl
Currently using Aspen substrate, but as soon as I get her out of the tank Im going to switch to Coco-Husk
Two thermoMETERS on warm and cool side w/ probe
Hygrometer in middle

On-the-way:
ZooMed UTH Heatpad - 8"x12"
Herpstat Thermostat - most basic one

Stats:
Temperatures:
90 on basking spot
84-85 ambient on warm side
79-80 on cooler side

at night i've been leaving it at 80-85 all around the tank.

Humidity:
although I have aspen, the humidity stays at 50% at the LOWEST, but is usually between 50 and 60.

So now you know exactly how I have it set up, here are my questions. (bear with me!)

1) When is it appropriate to handle her, since I just got her on Sunday? Also, after I have her feeding regularly, how often should I be handling her? Also, should I even be handling her until I can get her to feed a few times? Its so tempting because shes my first pet and I am eager to play with her. I understand about stress issues though, and that is why I have been patient.

2) When is it appropriate to try and feed her ? Her previous owner was feeding her pretty regularly, shes almost 3.5 feet and 3 years old. not sure how much she weighs but shes definitely bigger than her male counterpart Monty (owned by another friend)

3) When my UTH comes, I am a little confused on how to use Foil Tape. Do I buy just regular foil tape from home depot, and stick the sticky side of the tape to the sticky side of the heat pad? Then foil tape my thermoSTAT probe under the tank, and then foil tape the heat pad over top? Is it 100% that this is fire-proof / won't cause a fire?

Thats it for now : P I would really appreciate if I could get some advice. Thanks !!