I have read all 11 pages of this because I have a new coastal carpet python that I have had for a couple of weeks and I cannot get the nerve to pick him up for anything. I have a ball and I can just reach right in and grab him, but this carpet is young and the first day he probably struck about 20 times and he has his bluff on me. Everytime I consider it, he gets in that "s" position and I am petrified. I am a 33 year old coal miner and I am scared of a snake about as big around as those big kindergarden pencils, what gives! I guess my bp is just so laid back he doesn't bother me. He is always in his hide and I wanted another snake that hung out so I got the carpet. He is out all day like I wanted, but I cannot stand not being able to handle him. I need to get busy because they get pretty big. I wish I could just stick my hand in there and let him bite me to see if it hurts, but I'm a chicken too