I'm not sure if this is a dumb question but I just recently got a new ball python last week at a reptile show and I've tried feeding him but no luck. The first time he seems just scared of the f/t mouse. The other day he seemed more interested and sniffed it but then retreated to his hide. I held the mouse outside his hide for soooooo long because he seemed to be inching forward, and then he just gave up. I'm going to leave him alone until next Saturday. Each day I feel like I'm making his enclosure more secure and comfortable (I hope).

My question is, how should I go about feeding? Can I take his hide off him? Should I wait until he is out at night? What are some good tips for the first feeding after he is left alone?

I've gotten tips on how to get the mouse ready but how can I not scare him.

-worried mom