Shy/defensive ball python

[aes1004]

I have an 880gram female and she pretty much hates being touched or messed with, she hisses but rarely strikes. Is there any way I can tame her down?

[JodanOrNoDan]

Short 5 to 10 minute sessions daily except when in shed or after eating. Let it ball up if it wants and hold it close to the body. Eventually you should feel the animal relax. Once it does let it move around a bit. After awhile the animal will not think of you as a threat anymore.

Do not let the animal win. If it hisses or strikes at you it needs to come out, but only do this if you feel you can control the situation and not get yourself bit (it doesn't hurt much BTW).

Against common advice...
Problem animals I only handle in a full light conditions. Dark means feeding time.

[redshepherd]

Like Jodan said, do calm daily handling sessions on them, and keep them short. If she does strike or if you're afraid of getting struck at, wear gloves to handle her.

[Godzilla78]

Yes: short, frequent, calm.