New ball python.

[BHReptiles]

Like what was said above...

I usually leave them alone for a week before I feed them. After that, I make sure that they have eaten 3-5 meals consistently (no matter how long it takes) before I begin handling them. The striking your new boy is doing is just defensive because he's a baby. Don't let it scare you. A baby's bite doesn't hurt at all!

The roaming you are seeing is your ball python getting used to it's new habitat. Make sure your temps are in appropriate range (88-90 on the hot side, 75-80 on the cool side) and whatever heat source you are using is hooked up to a thermostat (very, very, very important). Also make sure your tank has two or more identical hides (hot side, cold side, and maybe one in the middle) and keep your floor space covered. This will help your new boy feel secure in his new tank and it should help with him eating and settling down to where you can handle him without him striking.

Another thing that you didn't mention but is important for first time owners is to keep an eye on humidity. Because you're using a tank, you will struggle keeping temps and humidity. If you find that this is a problem, cover most of the top of the tank with a damp towel and maybe change your substrate to cypress mulch, eco earth, coconut husk, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of them. This along with misting 1-2x daily will keep your humidity. Remember when your boy goes into shed, humidity should be 60-70% and around 50% at all other times.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! We are here to help you provide the best of care to your new boy.

BTW: Brian from BHB is an awesome guy! I've got a corn snake from him and met him at the NARBC show last August.