I feed all of mine in their enclosures and I don't have any problems reaching in to pick them up. As long as you don't smell like rat/mouse you will be fine. Feeding in or out of the enclosure is personal preference though. With younger snakes they might feel more secure feeding in their home than in a difference place, but this might not be the case with yours.

How are you planning on warming up the hopper? It's really important that you get it warm enough. With mine I let them sit out until they reach room temp and then I put them in hot water for a minute or two before I feed. There are other ways to prepare f/t though.

Feeding tongs are extremely important because you might have to do the zombie mouse dance to get them to eat. I have to do this with one or two of mine.

Lastly, don't be to disappointed if he doesn't eat for you tomorrow. I have one that took me 3 tries before she would eat for me and I have 2 more that I'm going to try to feed f/t to once more before I crack and try to get them to eat live.