Hello and welcome!!!
There are a few things I picked up on in your original post as well as your reply to Bogertophis.
First, those temps are low, which you've addressed and seem to be working on. However, you'll need an additional heat source. UTHs are there solely to provide a hot spot and are not designed for ambient temps. So, living in NJ, you will definitely need to add either a RHP (radiant heat panel) or a light fixture using either a bulb or a CHE (ceramic heat emitter). All heat sources should be regulated by a thermostat.
I live in MA so deal with the cold winters as well. I would be happy to tell you how I wrap my glass enclosures in 1/2" foam board insulation if you're interested. It keeps heat and humidity in while lowering electric bills.
As for the handling, it is HIGHLY recommended to let your snake acclimate and settle in for three consecutive meals without refusal. You're not doing yourself, or your snake, any favors by handling now. Your snake's health should be priority over your desire to handle your new pet.
And, with all due respect, you don't have the experience needed to determine if handling is an issue with a finicky eater.
Also, the seperate feeding tub is old school and proven counter productive over time.
There are literally ZERO benefits to feeding in a separate tub. Using a seperate feeding tub will
A) stress the snake and lead to refusals.
B) stress the snake and lead to regurgitating meals
C) drastically increase your chances of being bitten by a snake in feed mode.
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