Welcome to the site!
Looks like you are doing a good job and sounds like you have done quite a bit of research (generally a commonly forgotten step with new BP owners). With a couple minor tweaks, conditions for your snake will be great.
As far as the snake's behaviour, I have found that with new BP's, they can be quite curious, especially at night as they are nocturnal. Bumping the cage lid/exploring is completely natural - no need to stress.
As for age, I would guess if the pet store was only feeding every other week, your BP could be up to 4 or 5 months old. Mine is not quite 5 months, is approximately 24 inches, and weighs 160 grams. I feed about 4 times a month on an erratic schedule (BP's don't get a meal every Saturday in the wild, why should that change with me?)Never closer than 5 days and generally no longer than 10 unless she is going through a shed process. As I am not a breeder, I am not hurrying to get her to breeding size, so as long as she stays healthy, I will continue doing what I am doing.
As for holding, I find there are differing opinions on this. I held mine the second day after bringing her home, like you, for short periods of time. I generally leave her 24-48 hours after feeding, and try not to handle during the shed process. Sometimes it is necessary when doing a spot clean for example. She has yet to refuse a meal for me. Not to discredit those who say not to hold them until they feed for you a couple of times, but I think each BP is different. Your BP seems to be quite curious, with no aggression, so I wouldn't be too afraid of holding it for short periods of time until it eats, then you can start holding it more.
Reply With Quote