Hi. New snake owner.
I have a very sweet 3 month old ball python. From the moment I put him into his tank he’s been stress free ( from what research I’ve done) and spends all his time in his hides besides his temp swaps. I ignorantly handled him a few times in his first week with me but he was calm and gentle throughout it all. I now know to let him settle for some time, but I’m just curious about when and where when picking him up. I don’t want to have to wait to catch him going from one hide to another in order to handle him. Is it okay to pick them up when they are curled up in their hide? I don’t want to disturb him. Plus, I know a big hand coming from the top of them can be stressful. When I pick the hide up he’s very still for a few mins like he’s hoping I don’t see him. Then he’ll start to move around. I’m just wondering if him being still and curled up is a way to say “leave me alone” or is that just normal and I need to just be more confident? Again, sweet boy and has yet to be defensive with me.