If you are going with the overhead heat try using a ceramic heat emitter, they put out heat without giving off light. Some snakes don't calm down but it is pretty rare. If you are afraid of getting tagged put on some thick winter gloves when you take it out. Handle for a couple minutes every other day and your snake will get used to the idea that you are not there to harm it. What size is the enclosure and how big is your snake? If the enclosure is too big for your snake that will freak them out a lot. As for a blood python I'm not sure that'd be a good second snake. They get quite heavy and because so can be injured if not handled properly.