I never kept my ball python in a small container but it would prefer to be in a small enclosed space most of the time like under the log I had in its cage. It really only came out and moved around a lot when it was hungry or was trying to shed. Only had to feed him once a week but sometimes more. Dude was smart and figured out how to push the top of his enclosure up and squeeze out. That was early on and I learned I needed extra clips on the cage to keep him in after the first time and he was trying to get out so he could hunt. I learned to pay more attention to the movements and feed him once a week but twice if he was trying to push his way out. I miss the guy but had to give him away once I moved. My favorite part was letting him out of the cage and explore the room. He’d like crawling into my pocket and curling up or laying on my back between the sofa and me. Ball pythons are so chill.