Pinky mice are too small for BP's you should start them on hopper mice or fuzzy rats.

I don't have a set amount of time that I handle mine but as long as the snake is eating and is healthy you can handle your snake as you see fit.

If you haven't already check out these 2 threads. They cover all of the basics and are a great start:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers