It does sound more like defensive striking then feeding, I have one that did that the first year. She really settled out after she reached 500g. You got lots of good advice, thermostat, clutter up her cage and give her a week before you try to feed or mess with her. Once you get her feeding then you can start working on handling her. They are pretty hardy little things, my first was a rescue, he was in a cage with 2 other ball pythons twice his size and a adult corn snake, 40 gallon breeder with no hides. He is now a great big adult and the sweetest snake I have ever seen.