Great advice above. I waited the week settle in period but couldn't stand lack of contact any longer than that. I was willing to take my chances. lol Mine struck at me the first time I handled it during pick up at the breeder's. It was a good learning experience though; the breeder showed me that when they are being outwardly defensive like that, bumping the area most people call the "nose" very lightly (a slight brush is enough) will cause them to ball up or retreat. This definitely works like a charm (for myself anyway). I've also read (on here) about stroking the scales lightly as kind of a "Hey, I'm here don't bite me" statement helps. Bring your hand in under them for pick up at a part of their body where their head is not facing. I use a combo of all of this depending up his position as situation and haven't had another strike, hiss, etc. I'm sure my time will come eventually though lol. Slow movement during handling helps and when redirecting movement (trying to snug down between the sofa cushions), I find hand under the snake or coming from behind the head works well. Good luck to you.
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