Looks like you've gotten some great advice already from everyone that posted. The thing to remember is that as a baby it views you as a predator. So when you go taking its hide off and reaching for it you pretty much evoke the "HOLY CRAP A HUGE FREAKING PREDATOR" response once the animals learns your not going to eat it the nippy bit should die down.
So Mississippi is the place where there are no elves?
Guitars, Reptiles, & Fishing!
1.3.1 Crested Geckos
1.0.0 Nu Ana x Moro Leachianus Gecko
1.0.0 Jungle Carpet Python
1.0.0 Normal Ball Python
1.0.0 Bearded Dragon
& Lots of terrified-snake relatives!