Got a new ball python, worrying about picking him up

[Hugsplox]

Hes eaten in the month we've had him, everytime he eats he eats 2 thawed dead mice.

He hasn't shown any signs of aggression towards me and the one time he hit was when we were moving him from the box to his enclosure when he first got him. I've stroked him before and he wasn't aggressive at all, but I'm just worried about getting scared from him striking, I know the bite wont hurt but itll scare the hell out of me.

The one time I stroked him he hid his head in his body as he was balled up. I frequently open his cage and his enclosure to check on him, as we dont switch him from place to place during feeding.

Hes been hiding on his cold side recently so I've been lifting his enclosure to check on him and hes never really been aggressive, so I dont think he would try and bite me as I regularly check on him when opening the cage, so it wouldnt be me mistaken for food.

I'm in my room almost all day so I'm sure he recognizes my scent. I just need motivation honestly.

I know you didn't ask for feeding advice, but if I were you I'd go ahead and swap him over to rat fuzzies. You'll only have to feed one of those a week, and as he gets bigger he's gonna need to be on rats anyway. It's easier to make the switch when they're younger, but great that he's eating F/T already. As far as the motivation piece about handling, you just have to get comfortable with him. He'll let you know when he doesn't want to be messed with. It takes time as a new owner to build handling confidence, but you'll get there, just be patient.

I would probably back off the lifting his hides to check on him so much, especially if you're doing it during the day when he's probably trying to sleep. Other than that, just start off with short 5-10 minute handling sessions. Reptiles don't learn to "trust" us like a dog would, but over time they stop associating your hands with danger and will be more comfortable when you reach in to interact with them.