Issues with adopted ball python

[BelleoftheBallPython]

Thank you guys so much for all the insight! <3

@Bogertophis Thank you for the sweet words and warm welcome! I really want to do all I can to get her to 100%. My friend had gotten the chance to ask him about her previous diet (which is the same for the male she adopted as well) and she used to be fed live but was switched to f/t at some point. We also think they're both very unused to handling--we figure him and his wife were keeping them more as "display" pets or at the bare minimum since they're reptiles. I was definitely considering taking her into a vet this coming month, but she's already putting more weight on and looking much better!

@Kodayin I figured I'd give her some more time before starting up more regular handling sessions! I've mostly just been sitting next to her tank and letting my scent get around her, let her get used to me, etc. I'll have all the supplies for her new enclosure in by the 4th, so I figured I'd give her a week and a meal to acclimate to the new environment since she's taken two meals excellently so far. After that, I'll start with more regular, short handling sessions! Thank you.

@sur3fir3 I don't think it'd be that, since the park my friend and my girl's previous owner works at has snakes in their nature center and they're all fed in the enclosure, I figured the guy might've followed that same process. I think she might've smelled our cats on us, been startled and went ham when she tasted blood... I'm not sure, but I want to do everything I can to prevent it again lol!

@Craiga Thank you so much, I'm very excited to be both her and to be involved in snake keeping! I know I would really like a western hognose someday and I'm going to scout them out at my local Repticon next month, haha. Thank you for the advice--I'll have her on smalls for the next few meals, should I also wait the full 14 days between feedings or switch to 10 since it's smaller meals? The 4 feet is definitely an estimation too (and I'm notoriously bad with numbers) but I'll check it when I'm able and ask the vet when I take her in for a checkup too! I'll absolutely be giving her more time to get adjusted to everything, especially after moving her to her new enclosure soon! I'm hoping to have everything in by the 4th so I'd like to show everyone a picture.

@bcr229 Thank you for the tip, I'll definitely keep her on smalls longer before moving her up to mediums. I guess I was just worried because she was still acting so hungry even three days after feeding! She's finally calmed down a bit tonight, and isnt' in striking position--now she's either curled up in her hide or exploring around her tank. And she definitely is ready to come flying out when we're thawing out her food--I heat it up a bit with a blow dryer before I give it to her and she gets super excited and eager! Something else I thought is that she might be extra hungry since she's a female and preparing for breeding, as I've read that in a few places. That combined with her previous undernourishment has gotta be a killer combo.