Yeah it takes some time for them to settle in and even then I think that they have their cranky days - "I don't want to leave my nice, warm hide so PISSS OFF" (you can tell that I have a boa and she lets me know that she is not in the mood but i don't let that stop me as she is super when out). I want her to realize that when I reach in, rub her on her side that it is time to come out for adventure. It is so funny trying to put her back in her enclosure - she twists and tries to crawl back up my hand and arm but eventually goes in. My normal ball is so easy going - no hissing, no striking, even to my 2 1/2 year old grandson (she is a little head shy but nothing major). I even picked her up in the middle of a shed one time and she was just as calm as normal (I promptly put her back down and felt so bad for disturbing her - have you ever apologized to a snake?).

P.S. One reason my boa has been seemingly more cranky the past few days is that she was in the middle of her shed. Last night I looked in on her and her skin was peeled back to her middle. This is the first time that she has shed since I owned her and it was interesting to watch. My daughter and I watched as she pulled the last piece off of her tail - really cool! I feel kinda stupid for not knowing this but her colouring is so light and I didn't notice her eyes were cloudy or anything. I suppose that I could have missed it when she ate last week. It is easier with the ball as the difference before and after is significant - like a new, freshly painted ball!