i have had my 2 burms since they were about 2 months old. Mine were not that bad at all. They do and will hiss alot especially when they are young. Mine still do it and they are a little over a year old. As long as you handle them at least a couple time a week they will not get out of control. When you first get one it might be a little nippy but nothing too bad. Also where in VA are you located? If you want and you are close you can come check out my pair to see what i am talking about with them hissing alot.