I picked mine up last March when she could curl up in the palm of my hand. Her name is Jackie-short for Jack Ass, because she was like a little devil and would strike out at any movement. She had calmed down almost completely by this Jan, but is still a little head shy-probably because I only handle her about every 10 days and generally don't bother her head. She was definitely the crankiest of my 4 retics, but all have been testy at some point and all have calmed down VERY WELL. Just my experience with 4 Retics, I would imagine that some don't calm as well.
My brother got a yearling Burm that has never calmed down, but then again I am not there to see how he handles it and such.

I think it helps that her tank is in the living room with a large sliding glass front---so she is accustomed to seeing people all the time and I don't have to reach down on her. I would expect that if you put in the effort, and aren't to jumpy she will turn out surprisingly well. With that said, I will never give any of my snakes, not matter how calm, a chance to do something stupid with my nephews. I feel the handler should always be in a position (weather by power or manipulation) to prevent any unlikely events with someone else.
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steve

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