I really appreciate all the feedback I've received. Yes, I have two hides for him in his 29 gallon tank. He favors the cool-side hide, but I also seem him exploring the enclosure nearly every day. I also have two water dishes for him. One of his hides is propped up on one of the dishes, and the other hide and dish are each free-standing.

I've gotten him to feed twice now. Lots of folks have said that pinks are too small for him, and I will be ordering some larger mice this week. In the interim, I figured that a five-day interval was reasonable: I fed him last Tuesday for the first time, and again today. After the first time, he and I are both getting better at this.

I also cleaned his enclosure this morning, removing him to a small dark enclosure (the box in which he came home) while I did a thorough job on his digs. He's obviously excreting, which is goodness. It's interesting that he really favors his cool-side hide, but I have seen him in the hot-side hide a couple of times, as well as exploring. He tries to climb the side of the enclosure, but eventually falls off. I'm thinking nylon straps securing the metal mesh top before he gets much bigger. (Right now I have a 4x4 across the top.)

I wasn't sure he'd eat after this morning's experiences, but after about five or ten minutes of presentation this evening, he nailed that mouse.

I'm so relieved that I'm seeing what seem to be normal and appropriate behaviors. I feel at least minimally competent as a snake dad.