White Lipped Python questions? (read in!)

[redshepherd]

Considering a White Lipped Python in the future. This one definitely won't be arriving anytime soon (contrary to what I said in another forum about Dumeril's Boas, and then I got one at the Reptile Super Show ;; ) So some questions about them- some answers might be obvious, but I'd just like to hear some expanded thoughts in general.

I'm wondering how many years it takes for them to mature to adult length?

Can someone provide a more informative link to their husbandry, care, housing, etc (I've found a couple, but very basic stuff and unsure of their reliability).

I've heard that they're very willing to chomp down. Will I need to invest in a hook? How many White Lipped Python owners actually use a hook?

Is handling them daily a reasonable task to tame them down?

How tame is "tame", for these guys? aka how often per month would the owner be struck at?

Are they prone to being picky eaters/easy eaters?

Does the general prey size to girth rule also apply, or should they be taking larger meals? As an adult... for example, 8 feet, what type and size of prey?

Outside of stalking faunaclassified, does anyone know good breeders of Southern White Lips (black phase) where we can obtain them?