Thanks for the reply. He ended up finally starting to shed his skin last night So I think you are right about him feeling vulnerable.

It's been an interesting journey with him because he is the first snake I have ever owned. I have only had him for almost 2 weeks now. I left him alone the first 3 days to get him settled in and more comfortable. I handled him on day 4 and 5 with no problems. I tried to feed and it was unsuccessful but the very next day he went into the blue shed phase. So I have mostly just been observing him since I have had him.

I know he is used to eating a F/T med. rat every 10 days or so per the guy I got him from. He is about 2.5 feet long and weighs 2.7 pounds (not sure what that is in grams). I am sure he will be hungry anyday now that he has almost finished shedding all if his old skin. So I plan on attempting to feed him again tomorrow.