First timer in need of advice

[bcr229]

I'll have to find a new home for all 50 of the hoppers I was told to buy, ha. Oh well! An expo is coming up this weekend, I'll grab some fuzzy rats, and some more foliage.

You can feed the hoppers for now, it's just your baby will need to eat more often until they are gone. I would try a five day schedule. Also ball pythons can move up through feeder sizes fairly rapidly until they're eating small rats, so I wouldn't get more than five of the next size.

And I should wait even longer before handling, like a few consistent feedings, correct?

Yes I would wait for 3-5 consistent feedings before handling regularly.