Hello everyone. Im supposed to pick up a beautiful Normal Female Burmese Python Tomorrow. I have a 55 Gallon Enclosure with a screen lid(Clipped, and weighted) already set up. Ive done a fair bit of research, but I always find it more useful to talk to people that deal with whatever animal im learning about directly and often.

I am aware that the 55 Gallon will only last me about a year(She's 2' right now) I read that in the first year they can hit 7'-10' so im building my own enclosure for her. 6'Lx2.5'Wx2.5'T So far my plan is to use Melamine as the material, build a 2x4 Frame, Build a screen lid with 2 Sheets of hardware cloth(one stapled on the top side one stapled on the underside) and use a Heat lamp as the Heating element.
The front side would have a plexiglass sliding door with a latch w/pad lock on the lower end, making it unable to slide open unless unlocked. I would probably just drill holes for ventilation, and use Linoleum Tile as the substrate. I would use this Enclosure until it Turned 3 years old, when I would then Build another enclosure (8'Lx4'Wx4'T) With the same Design.

I already breed feeder rats for my Ball pythons, and she'll eat them until she gets older at least. But should I try to keep the burm on rats? or Should I get feeder bunnies when she gets older?

I know the 1 person for every 4' of length rule when it comes to handling, but is there anything else I might need to know? or would benefit from knowing? I want to make sure im as prepared as possible you know?