First off let me just say I'm not getting at you here I'm just stating a few facts handling one of these snakes and keeping them in your home are two complete different things, I should know I work in a shop were I have to handle them and show them to customers. Then I have to come home and take care of my own, honestly there is no comparison in the two. I also think that you should never have been sold a retic because of your age and I think the person who did so is totally irresponsible for doing it but that's just my opinion you can dislike me for it if you wish. Now I wish you all the best with your beauiful girl and I hope everything goes well with you and her