holding them too much can lead to stressing them out more than necessary. you shouldnt handle your snake for about a week after you get it, this will allow the snake to settle into its new surroundings and if you are always reaching in and grabbing it the snake is probably getting a little tired of being picked up. snapping at you is a good sign that it is not ready to be handled and its not secure in its new home. also dont worry about it not feeding for a couple weeks, they are known not to feed during the winter/breeding months and it will be fine.