I have 1 male hatchling left out of 7. All I can say about the Desert is that they are a more aggressive ball python. My adult male has calmed down a bit since breeding has ended but I still would not stick my hand in his face. The hatchling I have strikes from the time you open his container, until you put him back. He is in the rack right next to a normal female clutch mate who is as calm as can be. Every last hatchling I had, had the same philosophy. Strike first and strike often. It's as if they are born thinking you owe them money. You have to be on your toes with them. I find that once you pick them up, keep the head pointed away from you and they will calm down a bit.