First Time Breeding, What Am I Forgetting?

[SS snakes]

F/T pinkies, whether mouse or rat, are too small for a neonate unless you get a runt or perhaps twins. Either get mouse hoppers or rat fuzzies. You should also have a local reliable source of live feeders as not all neonates will take f/t readily.

Set up and test your incubator to make sure it works and holds temp & humidity correctly.

I'd like to second this regarding the live feeder source. I know of some breeders who have tried to have the patience to get all their hatchlings started on F/T, but needed to use live for the first few meals. I often find that after you have them established and feeding regularly (IMO after 5 meals) thats a good place to start trying f/t.

Good luck with your first pairing, i'd echo what others above have said. Don't be too upset if your female doesn't go this year, as no matter how much research we do or think we understand them, they'll only go when they want to.