I feel that they are if a person is willing to be patient.

They can be frustrating when it comes to food. Sometimes they can chow down with no problem, sometimes it feels like you make more progress bashing your head against the wall. I have had a female that ate every Sunday for about a year and a half and then just stopped for just shy of eight months. She lost a lot of weight and then started eating like she never stopped.

An appropriate setup it is crucial to keeping them healthy and happy. (They have great care sheets on BP.net) Humidity is the hardest thing for myself. I have a hard time keeping it high enough. Its important for their shed and just overall health. They can be pretty prone to respiratory infections too so having a good herp vet is VITAL!

I have never been around an aggressive one, though I have herd that they are out there. I have never been bit- even while feeding. The new male I have now has struck out during feeding but has never connected. I've been hissed at and thats the highest level of snark I've received. I have had a Blood and a Red Tail latch on to me though...

I have found that in general they are very passive and content to be held (if handled often as a baby). Their size is very compatible to most first timers too. Rats are about as big as you will need to afford.

If you are worried about starting out with a baby there are a lot of older established BPs out there needing adopted. I'm sure if you have any questions people here would be more than willing to help. If you find that a ball would be to much hassle for a first snake than I would suggest looking into a Corn. They are great snakes that are fairly active.

I hope I helped with my rambling Good luck to you!!