Hey you are actually doing a lot better than I did! And I researched so much stuff before getting a BP.
A few suggestions: Probably the most important part of shedding is humidity. I didn't see if you mentioned anything about it but I know it can be hard to keep up in tanks, especially with a heat lamp. At the home depot they carry aluminum tape. You can use this to cover 3/4th of the screen lid to help trap humidity. Leave a hole for the heat lamp though.
Also, cover the back and sides of the tank with some kind of dark paper to help the snake feel less exposed.
You are right about those stick on thermometers, they are junk and only good for getting a rough estimate of temps. Slightly higher or lower temps than recommended could make a BP go off feed. Good for you in going to get an accurite. They are really great for people who only have a couple snakes in tanks.
If you just took the snake out to do "maintenance", then just start the count from when you got the snake. After one week, offer food. If she eats, you can try handling her 48 hours after she ate (so you don't trigger a regurgitation). Hold her for short periods of time at first, 10 minutes or so. After she starts feeding consistently and has a strong feeding response, then you could start holding her more.
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