I purchased a 2013 male pinstripe from BHB and he arrived Monday morning. I was a bit apprehensive about having a live animal shipped, but I was happy to find him healthy and alert when I opened up his box. I introduced him to his new tank, after about 20 minutes he un-balled himself and began feeling the cage out looking for an escape, flicking his tongue and occasionally coming up to the glass to get a better look at me. Since then he has been very relaxed in his hide on the warm side of his tank. From what I know, that's a great start. I know I shouldn't handle him for awhile so he can get acclimated, but do you think doing things like changing the water and once a day lifting up his hide a bit to check up on him are going to stress him out? I'm worried I might be bothering him too much. On the other hand, I want to make sure he's familiar with my scent and used to me opening up the cage so that when I try my first feeding he's a little more comfortable and hopefully will eat on the first try. Any thoughts from some more experienced ball owners? And maybe anyone who has had experience with snakes from BHB?