Another thought, but a large mouse once a week for a three year old BP doesn't sound like enough food to me. Perhaps try moving him over to rats, get a decent sized meal in him, even if less often, wait the standard 48 hrs after the meal for the prey drive to die down and the digestion to take hold, then pop that lid off. As other suggested, be confident. I was nervous at first and my BP struck at me once, early on, due to my own mistake. He missed, but it was enough to learn. Now, I only handle during the day. I use hand sanitizer before opening the enclosure every time, for hygiene and to create a distinct scent. Then I reach in, tap three times on the hide, and lift it off of him. Then I touch gently on his back somewhere to let him know it's me, then scoop him up. Seems to work like a charm, we have both mellowed out significantly.
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