just my opinion, but if you started out with an adult snake who was fairly tolerant of people and did not strike as much as young hatchlings do, you would be better off to get your confidence up with handling snakes. I still think i would of been better off with a older snake, but everyone recommended a hatchling so i bought one which i dont really regret, but she has shaken up my confidence a bit at times. In the horse world, its usually not a good idea to start off with an inexpirenced colt but to gain confidence and trust, buy a school master that you can rely on. Dont know if the same philosophy could be applied to snakes, but you really need confidence and sometimes many people need a gentle giant to bring it out. I've had my bredli for a year, so far have not been tagged, i dont plan too but within reason like if she was in danger i would risk a bite for her life, 1000 if i need too but we will cross that bridge when we get there, besides she is TINY! hahah just mind over matter.