Feeding protocol for ball python?

[Raven C]

Hiya,
I've recently been given a baby python, a male normal called Monty :) I've had him for two weeks, he's eaten twice in that time and I've handled him once. (I wanted to give him plenty of time to settle in.)
My question is: should I carry on feeding him in his viv, or take him and out and pt him in a tub? Read/ been advised for both ways and am a bit confused to as which way is the best.
Also, he seems a bit nervous, or maybe a bit bolshy, both times when I've fed him he's missed the mouse, missed the tweezers and hit my hand. He didn't latch on tho, think he realised and then decided mouse was better then human. He did give a little hiss when I picked him up, then he settled down and was moving through my hands quite comfortably, is this just because he's a nervous baby and been moved around a bit? Shall I just keep on handling him regularly?

[marvelfreak]

I am guessing you feed frozen/thaw. If he missing the food and hitting your hand then you need to heat your food up more. Sounds like your hand is giving off a better heat signature then the food item.

[Raven C]

Ah, didn't think of that! Cheers will do :)

[franks]

I would always recommend feeding Royal Pythons in their enclosures. Throughout the course of its life it may go in and out of some "picky eater phases" and this problem would be made so much easier if the snake is being offered food in its home where it would be more likely to feel secure and natural.

[jarich]

What Chuck said about the feeding hotter prey. As for the handling, its best to let them be for about a month without handling if you can. Give it time to settle in and acclimate to its new home. After they feel secure in their new home then you can start handling if you want.

[Raven C]

Sounds good to me :) thanks guys.
Just want what's best for him, he's a lush little boy, especially love the stripe down his tail!
I've just spoken to his previous owner and he's closer to 7 months she thinks then 5, so going to weigh him when he's settled in a bit and make sure he's the right weight (altho he's a pretty chunky boy, so think he's ok).

[Raven C]

http://http://www.ssnakess.com/gallery/images/overlay-round.gif
No idea how to post photo's....it's a bit too technical for me :s
But hopefully the link will take you to the pic of Monty. He's been with me 4 weeks now, refused feeds twice, fed twice, stuck at me a couple of times, shed once and tonight came out to see what it's all about :) And he wasn't as nervous as I thought he would be either. Happy days! :)