Hey guys!! I'm new here. I just got my very first ball python (Orion) yesterday!! I have other pets too, but they are axolotls, and I have three of them.

Anyways, I know that handling your BP can be extremely stressful for them. But I picked him up before my shift at work, and he sat curled around my bra strap for my entire shift and I'm pretty sure he was asleep.

Anyways, I was wondering what are signs of a stressed BP whilst handling and such? (Other than not feeding well). I'm wondering what kinds of things he'd do / act like that I could pick up on when handling? He seems inquisitive and never balls up. I was sitting on my bed on my laptop here with him and he crawled up and sat in my shirt again, I'm pretty sure he thinks that's his hide now? lol.

And just a side note:
I know it's bad to handle them excessively especially when you first bring them home because they need to get used to their new tanks and surroundings but I took him out today because he's in shed and I gave him a bath and I also am somewhat fearing for his safety at the hands of my mother, who hates him and told me she'd kill him, so I kept him with me for a bit when I went out. YES I know that is not the best idea for him, I'm trying to find a temporary home for him right now as I'm moving out within the next month.