that hide is sweet looking! I would keep it in there (remember to clutter the tank up). that being said i would also provide a hide on both the warm and cool side (they love tight spaces and for that size snake if you put a toilet paper roll in there I’m pretty sure you will find him in it shortly after its introduced.)

for feeding: the blow-dryer will help a lot. if you still having trouble there are lots of other little tricks you can do, you will just have to try a few until he goes for it.