New BP owner! Help!

[Maryjpoppinss]

Hello all! :)

On February 11th I became the proud owner of a baby ball python, Dakota, which is about 5-6 months. I bought him from a pet store, (petland discounts). This is not my first snake, I have a corn snake also, Rex, which is about a year and a few months in age. The same day I got Rex, he ate within the hour and doesn't have a live or F/T preference although he is mostly on F/T and eating fuzzies or rat pups.

But, Dakota on the other hand, is a totally different story. Dakota is such a sweet snake, doesn't mind being held, was head shy the first day but has improved on that 110% since I got him, active and healthy, and currently 98 grams. What worries me is his feeding. When I received Dakota on the 11th, the pet store had just received him on the 4th. So 1 week later, he was already going to a home. I knew from the start that he might be stressed for a while due to all the moving around. When I was speaking to the clerk, he told me that Dakota ate at their housing facilities 2 weeks prior to me buying him which sets his date of last meal to the 28th of January. He was also eating live. I've tried to feed him twice since I've gotten him and to no avail, I get nothing. Although I am trying with F/T, I'd hate to try with live and be stuck with a mouse that I cant do anything with.

Also, there was one time where he was laying in his cage looking a little weak and worn out so I picked him up and placed him in his waterbowl and he drank water for a little while and then pepped right up. It was a little weird.

I'm probably just being a worry wort but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Help please! :tears: