First, I was mistaken about his original mulch, it wasn't cedar, it was aspen. We changed to the forest floor stuff because I read that it retains moisture better, and therefore provides better humidity in the habitat.

Also, out of all the info I read, nothing said not to handle him until he had had 3 consecutive meals. Is this why he's not eating? We haven't handled him since the last time he ate, 2 weeks ago.

As for the forum you directed me to about the stressed hatchling, do we do that now, even though he has been in his habitat for almost a month? He is hiding in his hide most of the time, and everything I've read says that "a hiding ball python is a happy ball python." I'm worried that changing his habitat now will stress him out more, is that not the case?

Finally, the pet store employee I spoke with is a ball python owner and has been for several years, not just some dude working in a pet store, which is why I thought it safe to take his advice.