Okay, to answer all questions!

1. Yes, I am thawing out his mice I imagine he'd get a terrible tummyache and regurg if I gave him a mouse popsicle. Yuck!

2. I am not using a UTH but can get one easily, will do so this weekend. I had read reports going either direction concerning this, and our apt is SO hot that I didn't want to boil the poor guy. But if that's the best way to go, I will definitely do so!

3. By active I mean curious and sniffing with his tongue when held, bright eyed, and otherwise healthy looking. He doesn't roam much (he did right after I fed him, now he's quietly digesting under his hide) unless I open the cage lid. Then he knows he can get out!

4. He's about 15-17 inches right now, I'd wager. He's difficult to measure, so I have to eyeball it, but that'd be my guess. I can add more hides/plants/etc if you think he's got too much open space?

5. I'm fairly sure he's a normal. Typical markings, etc., nothing out of the ordinary.

And yes, I am SO HAPPY HE ATE. It was my biggest concern. But he seemed hungry and went for the dangly mousy carcass with a great deal of vigor, so, hooray! I'm pretty sure the ball pythons from that store are CB, and fed in a fairly busy environment from day one, so my house is probably quiet and peaceful for him! LOL (except the bird chirping, which he is SO interested in. Whenever they chirp, he perks up. Gotta make sure he never gets in with them!!)

I <3 him so much. We're thrilled to have him as an addition to our little menagerie.

Thanks for all the input and advice!