First off.. welcome!

If you haven't already, give our caresheet a read through: http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59

Handling right away isn't good because of stress, but it won't ruin him for life. Likely there is something not quite right in his cage/environment. Can you describe your setup.. and if possible post pictures?

Where did you get your BP from? I'm guessing a pet store.. which is one of the worst places to get one.. breeders are much more likely to give you a healthy eating snake. Some BPs will only eat live food.. at least at first. If you go this route you must never leave a live rodent in the cage with the snake without supervising.. rodents can injure snakes if they are left alone with them for too long.