Im not a dum expert (I do love them and hope to own one someday) but regardless I believe its just normal for some small snakes to be defensive, obviously in the wild its kill or be killed so they are quick to get scared. I have a corn snake that is small and more aggressive than my other two. He has calmed down since ive gotten him and hes gotten older, but he still has his moments. He too will defensive strike his food even though its pre-kill. Snakes are still simple minded animals with primitive instincts. His biting wont hurt, don't let it scare you.
As far as picky eating, I have heard that dums are the most inconsistent eating boas, and their pickiness is very common.
Offer him food, if he takes give him 48 hours then handle him for about 15 minutes everyday. If he doesn't take then just start handling him and continue to offer, weigh him regularly and as long as he doesn't significantly lose weight I wouldn't stress his slowed eating.
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