Retics are largely what you make of them. They are intelligent snakes that remember traumatic experiences & recognize their keepers.

If you can at all avoid it, never restrain your retic by grabbing it behind the head. That's a very good way to quickly establish a bad relationship with your snake.

Never trust a retic 100%...they are large predators that act on instinct first. Establish a set husbandry routine of "you get fed when..." "you get cleaned when..." "you get handled when..." Retics respond exceptionally well to routine, but again, do not assume that the snake is always going to "know" what is going on & therefore won't mistake you for a meal.

If you get the chance, have an experienced retic keeper mentor you if at all possible.

My $12.02 (fuel surcharges & all that... )