usually they will be super active, whipping there head around in the strike position. usually they strike when you are trying to pick them up out of there enclosure but once there out its very rare for them to bite the hand that holds them. you just have to be very patient and work with them. hold them for about 10 mins a day everyday for about 2 weeks then gradually start bumping the time you hold them up. that usually tames them down within a month or two. there are some out there that just will not calm down its one of the parts of owning snakes. you took on a responsibility when buying the snake that you would care for it regardless of its temparment, so you might as well get use to the fact that they can bite whenever they feel necessary, it will make life alot easier on you. the bites really arent bad at all you usually dont even feel it unless they hold on.