I also have a bitey one that I have been working with for a while now. Here are a couple of things that have helped me.
1. Before picking up, use a snake hook or something similar to lightly tap the snake to make it aware you're getting ready to pick him up. If it is in a hide, move the hide around a little before you remove it. Gives them a change to be prepared to be handled before the "claw of death" descends.
2. Always approach from behind the head. If you need to move the snake to get behind it, use a snake hook to slightly spin him to face away. If it continually presents its front to you, pick it up with a snake hook.
3. Handle in a very quiet place where there are no other distractions such as other people or pets. Also, do not set it down in your lap since that just creates another "getting picked up" situation. Once you have it out and in your hands, keep it in your hands until it goes back into its cage. Handle for 5 to 10 minutes max a couple of times a week.
4. My bitey snake doesn't like to be "looked into the eyes." He is calmer when I keep him facing away from me. He also seems to be calmer when I gently move him around as opposed to just holding him still. I gently transfer him from hand to hand unless he balls. Then I hold him still.
5. He also does much better when I keep him "stretched out" a little. It is harder for them to strike when not coiled so I gently unwind him all the time. If it wants to ball, let it but keep it unwound and not in strike position when possible.
My guy has calmed down quite a bit with the handling. He stills strikes every now and then but much less than the beginning.
Hope this helps.
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