I am hoping to get my first ball python sometime soon and I had a few questions.

The first I'm just curious, about what time in the evening do your snakes become active. I know this is a highly variable question because each snake is different. I'm really hoping that by around 8 or 9 at night that it would start to wake up and move around just because that is when we are home and relaxing in the living room. This would also be the time I would hope to be able to handle the snake. I have read a lot of different info about rooming a snake that has been sleeping from its cage. Some say its a big no no and others say its fine. Ideas and opinions?

Also I have gotten a LOT of varying information on what to feed and what size. What are, if any, the generally accepted guidelines for feeding?

I have also seen a lot of varying info about enclosure size (from 10 to 75 gallons for an adult). I am assuming as with most things bigger is always better but what is the best average size without busting the bank?

Are there generally any personality differences in gender (females more or less friendly etc) or is it all pretty well the same?

Thanks for all the information!