We got him about 3 weeks ago. I set up a tub for him with heat pad and hides, set at the proper parameters for rat snakes. I believe he told my husband it was about a week old at that time.
He has eaten 1 or 2 lizards since then. Its been an insanely crazy few weeks, so I cant remember if he ate the second one or we took it back out.
I have tried f/t pinkies, a live pinky left in overnight, and even braining the f/t pinky, but he wont eat them. Id much prefer c/b mice, so as to prevent parasites. I will also ask the breeder how he sources his lizards.

As far as handling, he has only been held twice. The second time being today, for about 10 minutes to clean his tub since he pooped and needed fresh water. Since he is so small and fast, I havent let my son really hold him out of fear that he would accidentally grip him too hard and injure or scare him. We are just letting him settle in and adjust.

Ill try washing the pinky and scenting it with a lizard. Maybe that will help.