Snakes will flatten their body in defense, yes. It's a "don't mess with me, I'm big and bad!" stance--but they look so cute, you pick them up anyway! xD She'll calm down, just keep working with her. Make slow, confident movements, and scoop them up rather than grabbing them from above so they don't see you as a threat.

And it's only hoarding if the husbandry of the animals or yourself starts to suffer. :3