I just got my first BP last week, and she is about 6 months old, definitely not a hatchling but still very young. Since this is my first BP I really wanted to watch her grow up, and I think that's one of the best things about getting a young BP. Hatchlings are for sure a lot less intimidating since they're smaller, and I can say as a first time BP I'm glad my first BP is small.So, I would say go with a hatchling.