One thing many new keepers don't realize that they will need A LOT of when keeping Ball Pythons is this:

PATIENCE !!

There is always the exception, but for the most part Ball Pythons are very particular about the way they like to be housed, and how safe they have to feel in order to eat.

They know instinctively that during the process of striking, constricting, eating they are extremely vulnerable. In the wild, they would be an easy target during all this. They cannot defend themselves, they cannot "run" off easily.

Usually, if they do not feel safe, they will not eat ! Many will get quite comfortable with their surroundings and routine to where they eventually have no problem eating during any time of the day or even with some commotion around. However especially with a new hatchling or any newly acquired Ball Python one should take extra care to make it feel safe.

It can be argued to death, but it is always better to feed a Ball Python INSIDE his enclosure UNTIL he/she is an established eater. If it eats in a separate bin, great. But since we have a case where this Ball Python is refusing food, there needs to be a change of direction.

As previously said, check and double check the setup. There is a ton of info and caresheets on here about this, so I do not need to elaborate. I prefer to have hides for my new babies and also to make sure the tub is covered on top and all sides but the front.

Let the snake relax and acclimate. Start over with that, from the last failed feeding attempt on. Another week at least without bugging the snake whatsoever. Try to feed it again in the evening. Wait for the snake to be in the hide, but peeking out. Drop the food in and LEAVE. A mouse hopper / rat fuzzy won't do any damage. Stay nearby and try to observe from far enough to not bother the snake. GIVE IT TIME. If this doesn't work, wait a couple of days and try again. Try a FT or prekilled rat pup, leaving it in front of the hide, or just its head inserted into the hide, leave overnight.

Have patience.

I find that patience and extra effort in the beginning makes the world of a difference, and things usually get much easier from then on.

I would never try assist or worse force feeding that early into the game. That should be reserved for the very last resort when its either this or death of starvation. Force feeding is extremely stressful on the snake, and you risk death from that alone.

Just take a deep breath or two, go over your setup, give the snake some time, and try some of these helpful tips you've been given within this thread. Your snake will come around.