thanks for the info. I will go ahead and wait until he has shed before handleing and feeding him/her.
Yes the cord is on the outside of the tube. Everything seems to be going good except I can't hold him, and I would love to make sure he is eating. I will wait, for him to get over his shed. again thanks for the help.

i am planning on live mice right now, I have four I plan to breed for food. Will see how it turns out.