So I got a ball python hatchling from a reputable breeder maybe 5 weeks ago.
The hatchling is about 3 months old now, 120-ish grams, feeding aggressively on FT rat fuzzies. Good eater. Humidity and temps good.

He was a jerk from the beginning, very tense, nervous. Watches me like a hawk. Struck at me even when changing water/spot cleaning. Sleeps under hides in strike position. As long as I open the cage, watches me intently. He comes out and explores every night though, he seems happy and content in his cage, so long as I'm not bothering him.

He peed/pooped on me while handling once. He struck at me the other day while I was changing his water, drew blood. When i'm handling him, if he gets close to anything- even inanimate objects- he'll strike.

I'm trying to handle him using the blanket method, at first he would always ball up, but now he'll explore around and tongue flick, but he freaks out easily.

Will he ever just chill the heck out? I have 2 other balls who were not like this. I hate that I'm nervous even to change his water.