Welcome to BPNet! It's completely normal to be nervous with your first snake, many of us were. They aren't the "average" pets and they really aren't, in my opinion, ever fully "tame". That's not to say they can't be handled or are unstable, just that they are always instinctual creatures that react as they see fit to a particular set of circumstances. They are survivors so occasionally they will strike, hiss, jab or nip if they feel threatened but it really isn't that common in most BP's. Sometimes like any living creature, they are just having a bad moment or a bad day, sometimes they are hungry or in shed.
Just take your time, be consistent with your handling, establish simple routines the snake can come to recognize in a very basic way. Make sure your handling times are quiet, gentle but firm handling and that you are relaxed. I'm sure overtime it will go very well.![]()