I think my ball hissed at me!

[Adam Chandler]

I have a one year old ball pythton. I have only had him for about a month. He spends most of his time in his hiding rock. I went to get him out today and he was in the rock. I stroked his side gently and he arched his back as if he wanted more, but then, I swear, he hissed at me. I need to handle him so he will be docile, but he is so shy! What do I do? I don't want to force him to come out if he is stressed, but if he has his way he will never be handled. Should I just put on gloves and risk a bite? Please help!

He ate on Wednesday evening so his food should be digested by now. He does not appear to be in a shedding cycle.

Thanks for your help.

Ok first off ball pythons do not like to be touched by us. He was not arching his back in pleasure, it was his muscles tensing up to something touching him.
Many BPs hiss. For most BPs it is a bluff hiss. They do it in hope of whatever just scared them will go away.

When mine hiss when I wake them up I pick them up (slowly and carefully) and hold them briefly. The interaction with you will build some trust that and help your BP identify you as something that will not hurt them. Again I recommend keeping it brief at first so you do not stress them out.

You BP will never "like" being picked up and held by you. But if you build trust over time and they figure out that you will not hurt them they will tolerate being held very well.