I kept and bred boas long before balls. Yes baby boas are known for being nippy. One reason that my husband and I decided to switch our focus on balls over boas is because I am so tired of getting bit! Balls are so awesome, when they are afraid the just go into a ball. Boas on the other hand... BITE! Just keep handling your baby and he will get used to you. Just imagine being a snake that small, everything looks like a predator to you.