I'm getting a Ball Python and Need some Advice Please!

[Vypyrz]

5.)When feeding do I hold the mouse by the tail and feed the snake? I saw a video were someone was using what looked like tongues.

I definitely recommend some type of tongs for 2 reasons:

1) It keeps the snake from mistaking the heat signature of your hand as prey.

2) If you are feeding live, holding a frantic and angry rat by the tail might just get you bit on the hand, which hurts far worse than a BP bite...