I found this video to be very helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-TjNKrsQEQ
The little guy I got is about the same age as Willow and the breeder warned me that he was pretty nippy. When I first attempted to handle him two weeks ago, he appeared very nervous, so I made sure the room was very calm and quiet. I removed the water dish and hides, without touching him and just let him observe me sitting there calmly for about 5 minutes or so.
I very slowly used a small hook https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019HZ8S16/ to rub his sides a few times and slowly lift him to my flat hand.
He was still very stiff and nervous but did not attempt to strike. I just stayed still and let him sit in my hand until he decided to move. I didn't attempt to manipulate him at all. The first time he didn't move much, and was happy to return to his hide after about 10 minutes.
I did the same thing the following week and he started to explore a little bit. A few days ago I handled him again and he relaxed in less than a minute. Today I picked him up without the hook without issue and he went right into explore mode.
Hope that helps, and looking forward to hearing how Willow takes to handling. =)
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