Quote Originally Posted by KayLynn View Post
Breathing like that is usually a minor sign of stress - ball pythons aren't like dogs in that they don't enjoy pats on the head and being out of their home for too long. Handling sessions shouldn't be too long, I never have mine out for more than 15 minutes and never more than twice a week (but that's just me and I have 9 snakes to boop). If your snake starts flicking its tongue rapidly, its movements become quick or flighty, or it starts nosing around for a place to hide it's time to put it back.

It's recommended that when you first get a snake to not handle it for at least a week to allow it time to acclimate, or until it has eaten for you a few times. Do not handle your snake for up to two days after it has eaten or you risk it regurgitating food, which can cause other health issues. Handling too often can cause defensive behavior like hissing and stricking or food refusal.
I realize they aren't dogs Mine seemed especially chill so I tried gently touching around the head to see if that would cause any striking or hissing which it did not which is why I included it. It's interesting you say that about the tongue, because others have said if they are flicking the tongue intermittently and looking around they are smelling and exploring, so Im not sure what the truth is there. The snake was not handled except for when it was brought home until two days after it had eaten. I haven't seen any striking, or hissing, and he is due to eat again in a few days. I won't handle him the day before feeding, day of, or two days following.