The box was placed with the opening (top of the box, flaps out) facing Ippo, so he could definitely see it.

I fed live this time, given Ippo's history as stated in my original post. I wanted to make sure that he was feeding at all, before trying to switch him over. I will try prekilled the next time for sure though, waiting a few extra days to make sure he's hungry. He's a pretty fat snake as it is. I realize ball pythons are a lot heavier bodied than the boas, rat snakes, and corn snakes I've had before, but I was still pretty amazed when I first got him! I've already found a place for carbon dioxide, so I should be all set to go for prekilled. I'll try to feed him the night before garbage day just in case he refuses it though ;P

Just one more question; ever since he's eaten he's more active than he's ever been so far... first 2 days the only time I saw him come out of hiding was once to defecate. The last two nights he's shuffled back and forth from hiding place to hiding place through the night, but hasn't been out in the open for extended periods like he is now. Is it normal for a ball python to be active after a meal? I would imagine he should be hiding up somewhere digesting his meal in privacy. I just want to be sure he's not having any digestions problems, which is unlikely given that the mouse I gave him (couldn't have been weaned too long ago) was a relatively small meal given Ippo's size. Could it be that the mouse was only enough to whet his appetite and that he's now looking for more?