Okay I went searching videos on handling ball pythons for the first time and said okay hes fed and shed for me i'm going to get hands on. I wanted to wait longer, although I have been some what patient (13 days). I figured what would it hurt for us to start getting used to each other. I uncovered him , he was in a pretty tight ball. The initial touching / picking up is the part that makes me a little nervous. So I took my hook (yes i'm a weenie) and rubbed him on the side slow and soft for a few seconds then slid my hand under him and Ta Daaaaaa i'm holding my baby boy lol (shaking non the less). No hissing and not a lot of heavy breathing. So I handled him for about 5 to 7 mins. He did make me jump once ( I just knew I was gonna get bit) but other than that he relaxed and was smelling like crazy trying to figure stuff out. Let him back down in his tub and he explored about 5 mins before then going back in his warm hide. In all i'm glad I did this to start our bond and also my nerves will be down the next time I handle.