So my fiance got me a new baby BP

Its a female & about the same size as the abandoned male I took in [maybe a bit smaller]...not a tiny hatchling baby...but still pretty young.
Shes apparently a 'leopard morph' but to be honest I think she is a normal...I've not even heard of a leopard morph lol

She loves her hide, but as soon as I turn off her day light & put on the night light she sticks her head out & with tongue going shes out exploring.

I plan to feed her tomorrow & get into a routine...I'm going to feed her mice, but am still a bit torn as to whether to go with live or frozen & I plan to feed in her enclosure seeing as she seems really comfortable in her hide.

What is the best way to feed? Just drop the prey in the tank or use tongs?

Also...handling [i've been dying to hold her...but been patient to let her settle etc.] I've noticed when I open the tank to mist/make sure the water is clean she tenses up into a tighter ball. How do I get her out? Do I reach into her cave or lift up the cave? & just scoop her up?

I know total noob questions! Like I mentioned before I only have experience with corn snakes & they behave totally different! The babies are just like picking up earth worms lmao...whereas BP babies seem so tense & shy!