I got mine as hatchlings, and I have enjoyed seeing them grow. They can be nippy as hatchlings, but calm down with regular handling. I would also suggest handling an adult blood to see if it is something you want to start out with, or something that you want to grow into. They can be a bit of a handful when they are adults, for they don't understand being held by big moving trees (us). They don't know how to hang on like other snakes do, so are very awkward when being held.