Well if your not "new" to snakes then you should know they stay in Hunt Mode after eating. The next day they may even peak out of their hide if you pass by their enclosure seeing if your prey.
Staying on a schedule is whats best for a snake. 1 Med every 2 weeks is fine for a full grown 5 year old. Balls dont eat more than a medium Rat generally as you mentioned she struggled. They are a thick bodied but small headed snake. While a Boa or other Pythons will tackle Large rats or Rabbits no problem you should not give your Ball prey larger than the thickest part of its body.
As far as breeding i think its best you wait, seems theres quite a bit you can learn between now and then.