I asked a ton of questions at the reptile show where I got my snake yesterday, but it seems I didn't ask enough questions because I still have more. I know these are pretty general and I have been trying to find answers, but I'm either getting mixed answers or finding nothing at all (I think I just don't know what to look for). If anyone would be so kind and patient enough to give me a few pointers it would be greatly appreciated!

1. Feeding: I was stupid and did not ask when the last time he ate was. I did, however, ask if he has eaten before- he has and he's a good eater, according to the breeder, which is one of the reasons this particular breeder encouraged me to go with this particular snake after hours (literally, HOURS) of looking at all the same snakes over and over. A friend told me that I should wait a week before I feed him and should be giving him one fuzzy rat when I do feed him.

So my questions for feeding are: 1) Should I wait a full week to feed him? and 2) what should I be feeding him? He weighs 254grams right now. And 3) If I should be feeding him fuzzy rats, would an adult mouse be okay instead?

2. Handling: To be completely honest, I am terrified that I'm going to get bit. I know once I get it over with and actually do get bit, I'll be better about it because I'll realize it won't hurt that much. But ever since I had a bad experience with a red tail boa, I'm very nervous about picking up snakes. This guy has been wonderful- he does the typical curl up into a ball pose when I reach in for him. I still have an irrational fear that he will try to eat me. Once he's out, I'm fine- it's just pulling him out of the cage.

So for handling, would it be okay if I'm completely ridiculous for awhile and wear gloves to take him out of his cage? Once he's out, I have no problem. It's just taking him out that terrifies me.

Also, my room is filled with rodents- I breed mice and own rats and guinea pigs. He lives on the other side of my room but I know he can smell all of those animals. Would this temporarily cause a bit more aggression/eagerness? I haven't noticed him being super eager to come out and he doesn't *look* hungry, but I figure it's best to ask regardless.

Thank you guys! I appreciate how welcoming this community is!