Hello ball python experts I need your help/advice!
I have a 5 month old ball python (Ruby) that we have had approx 3-3 and a half weeks and she has only eaten twice, one of those times was when my boyfriend held the mouse with tweezers inside the tank and she struck.
She seems to be a very scared python, almost scared of her own shadow! I have only held her once, today she hissed at me when I tried to handle her. I'm worried that if I don't handle her a bit more often then she won't trust us...
I also don't want her striking everytime she feeds as she might do that eveytime we open the tank?
I know that ball pythons are notorious for not feeding but I think she is hungry and just scared to eat. At night she is coming out of her hide and seems expectant.
I have changed tact from putting the mouse at the other side of the tank to just outside her hide and have made sure she can't see me/I am not disturbing her. Perhaps I need to feed her just before I go to bed so I am not there at all, or feed her outside the tank?

I have read a few python care sheets and many many forum threads from other new python owners and experts and believe I have the correct set up etc. Although I see varying opinions on what is right for a set up. The temperature seems correct in my tank and I have bought a humidity checking thermometer etc.

Any advice much needed as I want my python to feel at ease and not stressed!

Thanks,
Shelley