We also adopted our ball python for the family. We did not realise that we should let the snake settle in before handling and my husband got bit oops. It took the snake a good few weeks to settle in but since then he has been great. I would help him adjust by regular cleaning and eventually stroking him, and then on to proper handling. We have had him (I say him but we do not actually know) for 6 months now, he started feeded really well every two weeks. Then around December time he refused and has not eaten since. This is getting pretty frustrating now, but I keep persevering with him. Still way easier than a dog though.
Hope this helps.
edit: My 8 year old loves to handle our ball python :-)
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