Jumpy :S

[WOCSNAKE]

I got a ball python about a month ago and I was just wondering: is it normal for a ball python to be jumpy? As soon as she hears the cage being opened she quickly balls up... She also hisses at me as soon as a touch her, but as soon as a handle her out the cage she mellows out. Is this normal? Is she aggressive? How do I "tame" her? By the way she is about 1ft. to 1.5 ft. long

[Flikky]

Very normal. Any sudden movements or if they see movement from above. It's a natural instinct. Try to move slowly when around 'em so you don't startle her too much. It isn't a big deal though if they do get startled. My big normal male will hiss at me when I try to pick him up if I've woken him and he doesn't know what's going on. She might calm down as she gets older but otherwise there really isn't a way to calm her down. She isn't aggressive at all, simply defensive