I am also a first time snake owner and my BP is 7 months old. She would stay balled up for a minute or two at first an then start exploring on her own and become active. Now that we have had her a little over a month she doesn't even stay balled up at all as soon as she is out she nice and acrive. Not trying to get away, just active and not shy. Give it timeand as said above, don't force it just let it explore and relax at it's own pace.