Once you bring a new ball python home you shouldn't handle it for at least a week, but most say two weeks. Don't offer food, touch it, move it, etc. My motto "if it's not eating you shouldn't be handling it." I know it's hard not to, but it's for the best!
I would wait at least another week before offering food and don't touch him in that time. I usually take out the water dish because I've had them constrict into the water dish and it really freaks me out. Then sometimes they won't eat it after THEY soaked it
If you can keep the rat hopper alive for a week you could offer him again, or just get a mouse from the pet store and offer that. It's not a big deal if it's not very big, you can bump up the size once you've got him eating well.
Also make sure your hide is nice and snug for him. They like to squish themselves in their hide.
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