OK I am a new owner of a 6 month old, 24 inch male BP named Shahrazad. He is as cute as a button and seems to be settling in nicely. He was raised on live feed, so I have decided to stick with live feed for now at least. The place where I got him from said wait for four days and then feed him and I did and he ate like a champ. They then said that i could handle him as much as I want after that, but I am in no hurry.

Having never owned a snake or really spent much time with them, I am concerned about the whole handling thing. He hissed at me once when I was moving a couple things around his cage, but made no aggressive movement. I have yet to handle him at all and because of what I have read here, I think I will wait until he eats at least two times more.

So regarding handling, what are some good approaches to handling for the first time? What does the hissing mean? I firmly plan on having this guy with me for decades to come, so my main concern is building a foundation of a relationship with him and his comfort levels. Honestly, I don't care if it takes a couple years until we are simpatico together as long as he never is stressed by it. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanx,

Rachel