First feed refusal, late shed?

[Blubb]

1) Do I have to sterilize the area the rat was sitting last night? It was pretty much in her hide, so I'll have to move her to do so, and I don't wanna stress her more.

No, that's probably not necessary.

2) She seems to prefer this one hide over the others I've given her, and I've always sort of seen her hang out far away from the heat source in her enclosure. But she behaved normally before, and it was the same for a couple of months now. Maybe she's cold? Should I move her favorite hide more towards the middle rather than the cold side?

Yes, try to move it more to the middle. Although normally one hide on the cool side and one on the heated side will be enough.

3) How long should I wait to attempt feeding again? I'd really rather not spoil her with live unless it's an emergency, so I'd rather not do that unless I have to. Do I?

Feed her like you normally do. If months goes by (or atleast 1-2 months) you could try live. Nothing to be concerned by after just one week.

4) How concerned should I be about this late shed? I'm under the impression the shed indicators are a bit more unusual on a piebald, so what should I be looking for? Is it likely the cause of her food refusal? My other BP eats like a pro regardless of her shed cycle.

It is very common for ball pythons to refuse food during the shed cycle. I do not even try to feed mine by that time. A 350gram ball python should shed once every 2 months.

I want to add that these are from my own experiences with my own ball pythons.