When I first got my GTP, he was pretty nasty. Once I moved him / her from a 6 quart tub to a 2x2x2 cage, he calmed down right away. I do not handle him, but I'm sure I could if I tried. You just can not handle them at night. You would get bit for sure. There are a few users on this forumn that have a few GTPs, and handle them.