As for feeding tricks, I have a few that might help!

1) Get a hide. They aren't 'necessary' for many carpet pythons, but most WILL use one if provided. I get a good feeding reaction out of one of my pickier animals if he's in his hide and can 'ambush' a F/T prey that's near his hide entrance.

2) Feed at night. Wait until after lights out, try to keep as many lights off as you can except for the minimum ambient lighting for you to see well enough to feed. This is especially a good idea for a snake that starts roaming after lights out.

3) Feed warm prey. Get that feeder thawed and warmed, you'll want it at least human body temperature, you can go a good bit warmer and still be safe to feed. Most python species rely on their heat pits for hunting, and a heat source can trigger a reaction strike-and-coil.

4) Use long hemostats. Get your large heat signature further away, I know I'd be intimidated if I was eating in front of godzilla.