If you are going to handle him, I find that reptiles tend to stress out less when you learn to become part of their routines. For examples, cleaning the cage at the same days and time, feeding them exactly at the same time everyday.... So, this means: if you can handle him exactly at the same time and days, it would stress him out less, and he'll probably be more likely to calm down, expecting to be handled as part of everyday routines. Hope this help!