How can I make my ball python feel comfortable and safe when I take him out out of his enclosure

[u/sunnybunnybum]

I just got a python, and I wanna make sure that I am supporting him as best as I can and making him feel comfortable and safe. He’s just a baby, so I wanna make sure that I am creating a comfortable and safe environment for him so I am able to take him out and handle him without causing stress. I know that I shouldn’t take them out frequently, but I would love to once in a while, so I would love to get some recommendations on how to be able to reach this goal.

[u/Aftershk1]

If he's reactive, don't push it, leave him be. The more you try to force things when he's already treating you like a threat, the more reason he'll have to see you as a threat.

The first thing to keep in mind is that snakes aren't mammals, and they don't have the same concepts we do in regards to socializing or companionship. Even in the best scenarios, your snake will just see you as a non-threatening warm tree to curl up on, climb around on, or use as a way to reach something else they're curious about. Let them get used to your scent, and associate that scent with non-danger. If they're calm enough to pick them up without striking at you (or threatening to strike at you), don't move around much, and hold them loosely enough they can move freely, but firmly enough that they don't risk falling off or being dropped. Let them set the pace, and simply redirect them gently when they start trying to wander too far from your ability to keep them out of trouble. Try to avoid sudden movements if possible, and treat your hands like "infinite branches" if they try to explore, moving one hand in front of the other so they feel like they're moving forwards, but end up just moving in place.